Turk

McBride

McBride looked like a shrewd signing last summer after a five-sack season in Detroit, but he had no noticeable impact in New Orleans. The 27-year-old finished with two sacks in only eight appearances and was a healthy game-day scratch for much of the season. McBride shouldn’t struggle to make the 53-man roster, but he’s not the answer to the Saints’ pass-rushing woes.

Smith is suspended the first four games for his bounty-scandal role. McBride also started during Smith’s two-game StarCaps suspension last season, and generated five quarterback hurries in those contests. He’ll return to a backup role once Smith returns. McBride had two sacks in eight 2011 appearances.

McBride is coming off an underwhelming two-year stint in New Orleans where he was active just 15 times and registered only two sacks. A nickel specialist, his snap count will be limited in Chicago if he can crack the 53-man roster.

Though younger, McBride would be a homeless man’s version of Israel Idonije as a defensive end on early downs who kicks inside in the nickel. McBride was the 54th overall pick in the 2007 draft. He’s never been a high-impact player.

Coming off two straight ineffective seasons and a serious injury, McBride is going to struggle for looks in 2014. The Bears have added DE Josh Williams to take his place.

McBride, who had one sack as a senior at Tennessee, is projected to start while Jared Allen serves his recently reduced, two-game suspension. The 274-pounder should go back to being an under tackle once Allen returns.

The NFL hasn’t officially announced the decision, but its huge news for Kansas City to get their best defensive player back early. It also makes Allen a better late option in IDP leagues. He’s entering his prime during a contract year. Rookie Turk McBride will probably start in his place in September.

“I’ll play this year out and see where it ends up,” said Allen, who asked for a trade earlier this offseason. “I told coach (Herm) Edwards, ‘Let’s not get this mistaken. I’m back for my teammates and for you.’” The deal is actually only worth $1.797 million because Allen will forfeit $552,941 due to his four-game suspension. While he’s one of the NFL’s most dynamic young ends, Allen’s off-field history could limit his attractiveness on the 2008 market. This year, he’ll likely be replaced by rookie Turk McBride until he’s reinstated in Week 5.

Page ran with Bernard Pollard in the first-team defense. The only surprise was rookie defensive lineman Turk McBride, who lined up in the three technique next to Alfonso Boone. Jared Allen and Tamba Hali were the ends.

McBride, who’s never played linebacker at any level, lacks the body type and speed for the position. The former defensive tackle is going to have a hard time making the team behind Mike Vrabel, Tamba Hali, and Monty Beisel.