The Bears are bringing back free-agent cornerback Marcus Cooper with a one-year, $2.5MM deal, according to Adam Caplan (on Twitter). Cooper had a visit on Friday with the Cardinals, who agreed to a one-year deal with cornerback Bene Benwikere, but they were still reported to have interest.
Cooper appeared in 15 games last season for the Bears, making four starts. His most extensive playing time came with the Cardinals in 2016 when he played in 15 games (13 starts) and collected four interceptions. The metrics were not kind to him that season, though, as he ranked No. 62 among 84 qualifiers in Football Outsiders‘ success rate.
Chicago signed Cooper to a three-year, $16MM deal following his 2016 campaign with the Cardinals but released him last week. He played on just a quarter of the Bears’ defensive snaps last season, ranking fourth out of the team’s cornerbacks.
The Bears have made their secondary a priority this offseason, placing their transition tag on Kyle Fuller and re-signing Prince Amukamara. Cooper is set to work with the likes of Bryce Callahan and recently-signed Sherrick McManis as backups to Fuller and Amukamara.
The 49ers drafted Cooper in the seventh round of the 2013 draft out of Rutgers. He never suited up for the 49ers, though, and spent three seasons with the Chiefs before landing with the Cardinals in 2016.
Nooo. How are the cardinals gonna get a cb
Good lord. That is so weak. The guy did NOTHING.
Hey now! Give the guy some credit- not only did Coop block a field goal but he rambled about 99 yards and came within ONE yard of scoring!!! On the serious side he does add depth and if he gets another chance at a runback – keep your fingers crossed! Regarding the draft, it would blow my mind to luck out and have B Chubb fall our way(dream on) Anyone think a trade up can happen (low prob?) If the ND #1 OL stud is available (Chubb gone) hopefully Bears nab ‘em. If he is gone I really like the upside of T Edwards (Va Tech) or maybe M Fitzpatrick if he’s available and Pace et al go best guy left. If management trades down does anyone think it would be worth it? An additional pick or two could work as long as the first round trade down doesn’t fall to far(late teens alright?). I realize I am not sounding much different from other fans and writers but I rarely comment and had time to kill before the NCAA games start so what the hell-Thanks for reading my two cents worth.And of course ladies and gentlemen-BEAR DOWN!!!!!!!!!! PS. I am from North Carolina (diehard NC State/ACC fan) However I would love to see the Loyola Ramblers win it all!! Duke has won enough titles and u can bet that there will be more in the near future for them. Peace!
His claim to fame last year was fumbling a clear cut pick 6 at the 1 yard line with nobody within 10 yards him. He did his touchdown dance a little early. What a clown .
Why? This better not mean they’re not going to add Ward or Minkah in the draft