By: Alex Patt
It was confirmed this morning that the Denver Broncos have cut safety T.J. Ward and is on the market. Ward (30) is a three-time pro-bowl safety and was part of the 2015 Broncos team that won the Super Bowl. While a player with a high profile, Ward had some hamstring issues during the preseason and it was speculated that he would be cut.
Now on the market, this could be a good piece for the Bears to pursue. The Bears at strong safety currently slate veteran Quintin Demps as their number one; number two SS Harold Jones-Quartey was waived this morning. While the front seven has had a spectacular preseason and looks good on paper, the secondary is still spotty. Adding a veteran like Ward could strengthen the secondary and have another reliable veteran safety on the team. He also is a guy that can take the ball away which is something the Bears defense still seems to lack after having the fewest defensive takeaways all season last year (11). Ward had an interception, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries last year in 14 games.
There will be a number of teams in on Ward likely, and now is the time for the Bears to go in hard for him. Expect teams like the Vikings, Steelers, and Browns to also be in on him.