On March 5th, the Chicago Bears released linebacker Sam Acho just one year after signing him to a two-year contract extension. The move saved the Bears $1.95 million against the cap this season.
Acho played mostly a reserve role with the Bears at outside linebacker. He was also a key contributor to their special teams. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a pectoral injury. In the previous season, when Acho was 29, he carved out a solid 40 tackles, 18 quarterback hits, and three sacks.
Looking at Acho’s career and stats might remind some of Bills’ starting linebacker Lorenzo Alexander. Both are key special team players and, when given an opportunity to play, make the most of it. In Alexander’s age-29 season, he posted 46 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks. Those look pretty similar to Acho’s at the same age.
Both players were (and are) on similar paths and have shown similar skill sets. Both can produce on the field when giving the opportunity.
They are also both active in the community with different programs and charities.
Early in the offseason, Alexander signed a one-year deal and also announced that this will be his last season, so now it is on Sean McDermott and Company to find a player who can fill in the leadership role along with on the field production.
Giving that Acho was released and Alexander is in the final year of his career, a marriage between Acho and Buffalo just makes sense. This would give Acho the time to adjust to McDermott’s defense while learning behind Alexander.
Acho can contribute to special teams right away, and is very active in the community, something that McDermott is high on, as he loves personal character and someone who can improve the locker-room culture.
