Vic Beasley is Officially Out in Atlanta and Why the Bears Must Pounce
Most fans across the NFL probably know the name Vic Beasley. He was a dominant force on defense at Clemson before becoming the 8th overall pick in the 2015 draft to the Atlanta Falcons. Most felt he was on his way to superstardom after collecting 15 sacks in 2016, helping his team reach the Super Bowl. However, that production tapered off afterward. Beasley managed just 10 sacks the next two years combined.
It felt like a make-or-break season for him in 2019. All things considered, he didn’t play bad. He played every game and finished with eight sacks on the season along with a career-high 42 tackles and two forced fumbles. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to have been enough to convince the Falcons he was worth keeping around. They announced on their Twitter page that negotiations would not be pursued ahead of free agency in March.
The truth is the Falcons can’t afford him anyway. Even though his price will be lower than normal due to his modest production, they’re projected to have barely $5 million in cap space this offseason. With several other players including tight end Austin Hooper needing new deals, a sacrifice needed to be made. Beasley was that guy.
While sad for him, it could be a break for the Bears.
Vic Beasley would fit well with the Bears
The truth is one could argue that Beasley never belonged in Atlanta. His entire run there saw him play defensive end in their 4-3 system. Considering he’s 6’3 and 250 lbs, that is small for such a position. Even coming out of the draft experts felt he better served as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
“Projects as 3-4 outside linebacker. Considered one of the best pure edge rushers in the draft, but needs more sophistication to his approach. Has speed and explosion to become an absolute menace for a creative defensive coordinator.”
It just so happens the Bears run a 3-4 system and have a coordinator in Chuck Pagano known for his creative pressure package. They also have a glaring need for pass rush help. Aaron Lynch is a free agent. Leonard Floyd had just three sacks this past year. They don’t really have anybody across from Khalil Mack who can be trusted to get after the quarterback.
Beasley turns 28 in July and likely won’t cost as much as the more high profile pass rushers in free agency this year. He’s not a star but he is significantly more proven at hunting quarterbacks than anybody on this roster not named Mack. If the price isn’t outrageous, this is a move they absolutely should make.