The Bears continue to make cornerback depth a priority with Webb signing

By Jake Perper, April 5, 2017 at 10:25 pm

The Bears continue to make cornerback depth a priority with Webb signing — during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium on October 2, 2016 in San Diego, California.

On Wednesday evening, the Bears signed their third new cornerback of the off-season in B.W. Webb.

The team announced the signing of the 26-year-old on a one-year deal. Webb, 5’11”, 190 lbs. has appeared in 49 games, with 10 starts between Dallas (2013), Pittsburgh (2014), Tennessee (2015) and New Orleans (2016).

Webb comes over along with Prince Amukamara and Marcus Cooper as the recent veteran additions. Johnthan Banks was also re-signed while Tracy Porter, Kyle Fuller, Bryce Callahan, Cre’Von LeBlanc, Jacoby Glenn, De’Vante Bausby and Sherrick McManis are all under contract. 2016 fourth round pick Deiondre’ Hall is in his second season but is likely to be tested out at safety.

Originally a fourth round selection by Dallas in 2013 out of William & Mary, Webb joins DeAndre Houston-Carson, a 2016 sixth round pick to give the Bears the most players, two, from the college program.

Webb started a career-best eight games last season for the Saints with 28 tackles, 11 pass breakups and an interception. He has 68 tackles, 14 pass breakups and two interceptions in his four-year career.

This marks the first time that Webb has been signed prior to the start of the regular season after being released by his first three teams and not re-signed by New Orleans this off-season. He fell out of favor quickly in Dallas, played special teams exclusively in Pittsburgh and didn’t last through final cuts in Tennessee the following season.

A former college punt returner and standout at William & Mary, Webb hasn’t been worth his mid-round selection four years ago. Bears general manager loves one-year, prove-it deals and Webb’s is yet another one of those.

Look for him to compete with Callahan and LeBlanc for the slot corner position and provide depth overall. The Bears are much better off at the position currently than they have been the past two seasons.

Even if Webb doesn’t make the roster, he represents a player who will push for a spot on the team. Keep in mind this is a deep draft class of cornerbacks, so don’t expect the Bears to shy away from adding a playmaker there later this month.

Note: Webb is the 24th player signed by the Bears this off-season and the 12th new guy added.

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