Bears to sign cornerback Buster Skrine to three-year, $16.5 million deal

The signing presumably signals the end of Bryce Callahan’s tenure in Chicago.

Mere minutes after signing running back Mike Davis, the Chicago Bears made another signing in free agency, agreeing to a three-year, $16.5 million deal with cornerback Buster Skrine, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The contract has $8.5 million guaranteed, as pointed out by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Skrine, who turns 30 in April, is entering his ninth season in the NFL. He has spent the last four seasons as the nickel back for the New York Jets, tallying three interceptions, 30 pass deflections and 222 tackles in that time. He previously played for the Cleveland Browns four four seasons before signing a four-year, $25 million deal with the Jets in 2015.

The signing of Skrine presumably signals the departure of Bryce Callahan, who is currently a free agent. The Bears’ newest signing provides a similar skill set to Callahan, as he can cover well out of the slot and blitz efficiently. Though older than his predecessor and a downgrade at the position, Skrine’s contract will likely end up being cheaper than that of Callahan. Assumed by many to be brought back this offseason, Callahan will have to find a new team.

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