NEWSLETTER
We can talk about Justin Fields starting until we’re blue in the face. And with OTAs getting ready to gear up again, I have a feeling that will be a topic of conversation soon. HOWEVER, if we’re doing that, we should do so seriously once the offensive line in front of Fields finds its footing.
Perhaps a new addition could help:
Former WFT OT Morgan Moses is scheduled to visit the Bears on Wednesday, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 1, 2021
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Bears are scheduling to host a visit for free agent offensive tackle Morgan Moses.
Moses, 30, would be an interesting addition to this group if the two sides could come to a deal. He is a six-year starter who hasn’t missed a game since the start of the 2015 season. We’re talking about a run of 96 consecutive starts at right tackle. It’s impressive, to be sure. And if the Bears and Moses can reach a deal after Wednesday’s visit, it could put them in a good position moving forward. It could allow them to develop Larry Borom at a more conservative pace. And it could also create more competition throughout the interior line. Bringing on Moses could kick Germain Ifedi inside. From there, it could pit Ifedi, James Daniels, and Sam Mustipher into a battle for two starting gigs. Not to put the cart in front of the horse, but creating competition along the offensive line would be wonderful.
Formerly of the Washington Football Team, Moses hit free agency in late May after WFT re-made its offensive line by signing Charles Leno Jr. and drafting Samuel Cosmi. So by releasing Moses in May, Washington’s football squadron created cap space while solidifying its own line situation. More importantly, Moses’ availability now that the calendar has turned to June makes him a real possibility for the Bears.
When Moses hit the market, the Bears were $1.07 million under the cap. Only the Saints ($349,000) and Falcons ($357,000) were in worse cap situation. And because of that, I didn’t envision Chicago’s football team taking a flier on Moses. But things will change once the calendar flips to June 2. Remember, when the Bears cut Leno, they did so while making him a post-June 1 cut. Meaning that when June 2 rolls around, Leno’s departure will clear $9 million in cap space (with a $2.3 million hit). Had Chicago gone with a traditional cut back in early May, it would have been just a $6.2 million savings to go along with a $5.1 million hit.
In other words, it is convenient timing to see the Bears in the market for an offensive tackle upgrade just as they are about to come into some cap space. So let’s keep our eyes on this potentially developing situation.
