NFL free agency 2019: 7 breakout players set to cash in
By Ian Wharton
4. Bryce Callahan, CB, Chicago Bears
Despite ending the season on injured reserve, there’s little doubt that Chicago Bears’ slot corner Bryce Callahan continued his upward trajectory from 2017 into ’18. He established himself as a premier slot cornerback in Chicago’s elite defense. His two interceptions, six passes defensed, two sacks, and 45 total tackles all tied or set new career-highs even as he played in just 13 games.
His broken foot shouldn’t offer long-term concern or any missed time in the future. The 27-year-old will now look to cash-in as a former undrafted free-agent from Rice.
What stands out in Callahan’s development is how much more confident he is, allowing him to play faster and with more physicality than early in his career. As he earned more playing time, he proved capable of sticking with receivers and deterring targets. He’s a quality player in both man and zone assignments due to his quickness and improving ball awareness.
Callahan is a considerably better slot corner than recent players who hit the jackpot. Aaron Colvin cashed in for $8 million per-year, and Logan Ryan for $10 million per-year in 2017. Callahan shouldn’t take less than the inferior Ryan. The toughest part is finding a team willing to commit such money to a slot player, so Chicago could opt to re-sign him if his price doesn’t swell as it should.
Potential suitors: Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Washington Redskins