The Chicago Bears have added to their cornerback depth. They signed Tracy Porter to a one-year contract. This will be Porter’s fifth team in the last five years. How will this help the Bears defense?
Tracy Porter is a decent cornerback when healthy. He has 10 career interceptions, three of those he returned for touchdowns. Porter can also tackle the opponents. He has a total of 288 tackles. He rarely misses a tackle in the open field. Porter is excellent in pass defense with 52 pass breakups. One of his more famous plays occurred in Super Bowl XLIV. He picked off Payton Manning in the 4th quarter and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown. That helped seal the Saints 31-17 victory.
The problem with Porter is he can’t stay healthy. He has only played one full NFL season in 2013 with the Oakland Raiders. Last year, he played three games and started one for the Washington Redskins. He was shutdown after that due to an AC joint separation in his right shoulder.
In 2012, then Broncos Head Coach John Fox coached Porter. He will coach him again with the Bears. General Manager Ryan Pace is familiar with Porter. Pace was the Director of Pro Scouting when Porter played in New Orleans.
Porter will help the depth at cornerback. They only had four signed before adding Porter. The cornerbacks on this roster include Kyle Fuller, Tim Jennings, Sherrick McManis, and Alan Ball. Porter gives the Bears a veteran leadership. He doesn’t have to play on every down to make an impact. If Porter isn’t selected to be a starter, he will get playing time. He would play the fifth defensive back in the nickel position. Offenses will have to pay attention to where Porter is on the field. He is so quick that he can read the eyes of a quarterback and pick the ball off. The only question remains, can Porter stay healthy for a full NFL season? If he can stay healthy he will make plays. If he isn’t healthy this was a wasted signing for the Chicago Bears.
What do you think of the Chicago Bears signing Tracy Porter?
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