NEWSLETTER
Chris Emma (670 The Score) reports contract talks between the Bears and Allen Robinson have stalled. Moreover, Emma adds the likelihood of Robinson reaching free agency is growing. And on top of that, the Bears “appear to be prepared to move on without Robinson” as the two sides haven’t re-visited the extension discussion since early in the season.
But just because Robinson could be on his way out doesn’t mean Chicago will simply pocket whatever cap space they retain and walk away.
Instead, Emma suggests the Bears could position themselves to fix a porous offensive line. Emma name-drops Washington guard Brandon Scherff, San Francisco left tackle Trent Williams, and Carolina tackle Russell Okung as possibilities. Other plausible targets who are set to reach free agency could include Patriots guard Joe Thuney, Falcons center Alex Mack, and Packers tackle David Bakhtiari, among others.
All things considered, this seems like a good offseason to pursue needs along the offensive line.
Re-allocating available cap funds and shifting the focus on bulking up the offensive line does multiple things. It shores up an obvious need up front. But perhaps more importantly, improving the offensive line makes the quarterback and other skill positions better. Not only does it make sense for all the obvious reasons, it also falls in line with Ryan Pace’s style of offseason maneuvering. Even if it could come while losing a popular and productive player like Robinson.
Every offseason seems to feature Pace committing a laser-like focus on fixing a particular position group. Pass-catchers (Markus Wheaton, Kendall Wright, Dion Sims, Adam Shaheen) and defensive backs (Prince Amukamara, Marcus Cooper, Quintin Demps) were priorities in 2017. More pass-catchers (Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Trey Burton, Anthony Miller) were once-again targeted in 2018. Running backs (Mike Davis, David Montgomery, Kerrith Whyte Jr.) were a focus in 2019. Tight ends (Jimmy Graham, Demetrius Harris, Cole Kmet) were the hot item in 2020.
So perhaps, in 2021, Chicago will finally bear down and address the trouble spots along the offensive line. It wouldn’t be the worst idea. But remember, that just leaves the Bears open to needing a receiver to replace Robinson. And let’s not forget about those quarterback woes. In any case, the Bears have plenty of holes to fill next offseason. But I guess we can cross that bridge when we get to it.
