Report: Bears Could Have Interest In Packers Free Agent DE/OLB Mike Neal

Update:

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports that Packers free agent DE/OLB Mike Neal “could be in play” for the Bears.

Neal reportedly has interest from the Cardinals, and the Packers are believed to be trying to re-sign him as well.

Chicago just signed DE Lamarr Houston to a long-term contract, but it appears as though they are looking to add even more depth at defensive end.

Neal, 26, was rated as a below average 3-4 outside linebacker last season by Pro Football Focus.

Even so, Neal still produced five sacks, 49 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble for Green Bay while making a tough transition to outside linebacker.

We have him listed as the No. 73 player in our Top 100 Free Agents list.

————–

Mike Garafolo reports that the Arizona Cardinals are “in play” for  free agent OLB Mike Neal.

• Garafolo adds that Neal is expected to reach the open market later today.

The Packers reportedly made Neal a “meaningful offer” in recent days, but it appears as though he is prepared to see what else is out there.

————

Pete Dougherty reports that the Green Bay Packers have made free agent OLB Mike Neal a “meaningful offer,” but it apparently wasn’t enough to persuade him from testing the free agent market.

Multiple reports have mentioned that the Cardinals are expected to target Neal in free agency, so there is a chance that his agent believes he could be in line for a decent market in the next few weeks.

Arizona does appear to be a good fit.  They could use some depth at the outside linebacker positions to go along with 2013 sack leader OLB John Abraham who totaled 11.5 in his first year with the Cardinals.  Abraham, however, is 35 years old, and has only one year left under his current deal.