Sherrick

McManis

A core special teamer, McManis played just 26 snaps on defense last season. 2020 will be his age-33 campaign.

McManis is a backup CB and core special teamer. He was ruled out late in the third quarter during the Bears’ Week 7 matchup against the Saints.

Cornerback Sherrick McManis may also be worked in on kickoffs if Manning needs a breather. Manning has averaged an impressive 26.8 yards on 101 returns with the Bears over the past five years. Jacoby Jones will remain the primary punt returner.

McManis, a local product out of Northwestern, will be depth in the secondary for Chicago. He brings 23 games of NFL experience to the table.

Steltz suffered a right pectoral injury tackling Christian Ballard on a rare defensive lineman kickoff return. Steltz was a backup safety and the team’s seventh defensive back while McManis was purely a special teamer. McManis is believed to have sustained a PCL injury. Both players are under contract at a cheap rate for the 2013 season.

After losing top corner Dunta Robinson in free agency, the Texans used their first-round pick on CB Kareem Jackson and then added more depth with McManis. McManis will compete for snaps as a nickel/dime back.

A standout special team player, McManis’ 46 defensive snaps last season were a career high. It is unlikely he suddenly becomes a big contributor on defense, but the Bears have serious questions at corner outside of Kyle Fuller. McManis could push Tim Jennings or Alan Ball for playing time in camp.

McManis played just 12 snaps on defense last season, but brings value as a core special teamer. That skill has allowed him to appear in 50 NFL games over the last four seasons.

McManis, 27, will return as a core special teamer. He was limited to 46 defensive snaps last year, and projects for similar usage under new coach John Fox.

It’s been a busy day for the Pats, who are also hosting James Starks, Rod Streater, Frank Kearse, Chris Hogan, Benny Cunningham and Clay Harbor on free agent visits. McManis logged a career-high 29 tackles last year but was horrendous in pass coverage. His saving grace is that he’s a solid contributor on special teams. The 28-year-old is also drawing interest from Jacksonville.