The Bears will be without one of their offseason additions. Artie Burns suffered a torn ACL during practice, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Tuesday tests confirmed the diagnosis, which will end the cornerback’s season.
A former Steelers first-round pick, Burns signed a one-year deal worth just more than $1MM. This was to be a comeback bid of sorts for Burns, who did not do well to justify his draft slot in Pittsburgh.
Chicago cut Prince Amukamara earlier this year and was counting on Burns to play a role in its secondary. The team drafted Utah’s Jaylon Johnson in Round 2, however. Despite this being a difficult year for rookies to transition to the pro game, the Day 2 selection may be asked to contribute from the start.
Burns, 25, has made 32 career starts. But he trended down with the Steelers as his career progressed. The ex-Miami Hurricane prospect played just 6% of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps last season and will now have to wait until 2021 to resume his career. Notable veteran corners remain available in free agency. Logan Ryan, Aqib Talib, Dre Kirkpatrick and Trumaine Johnson represent the biggest names out there.
Well at least now he has a reason for being burnt on every play
I know Burns isn’t very good, but Chicago is quietly very inexperienced at cornerback. Fuller’s obviously talented, but now they expect Johnson to immediately step in on the outside and start. Skrine is pretty mediocre at nickel and their other options are recent day three picks.
Considering this team once had Bryce Callahan and Prince Amukamara in the starting lineup, it’s unlikely the Bears can replicate their 2018 defensive success with such a depleted secondary
Shrine is not mediocre, and has plenty of experience outside. They also have Kevin Tolliver, who started several times the past two seasons, and can use McManus in the slot. Burns wasn’t even a lock to make the team.
Defend your stance on Skrine. According to PFF’s metrics, he’s been replacement level for years. I only don’t see how any of the players you mentioned are on par with Prince or Callahan
Callahan was great when healthy, but hasn’t been for the last two and half years, Prince was a good #2 with no hands. Skrine played well last year, his first with the Bears, but they are hurting relying on an untested for the most part, Tolliver and Johnson. Johnson could be a 2nd Rd steal, but it will be tough this year with no offseason camps. Remember though, the Bears safeties are going to be very good. Eddie Jackson is one of the best in the league and Gipson will allow him to play more FS. Bush has already been getting rave reviews in camp. It’s their O that’s going to be the problem, this D is going to be top 5 again.
They certainly have the potential, although not having Goldman will hurt the run defense. On the other hand, Quinn will be a huge upgrade over Floyd opposite Mack. Trevathan needs to stay healthy however, given they lost some depth with Kwiatkowski and Pierre-Louis departing
Bears caught a break here.