Admittedly, I nerd out way too hard when it comes to the NFL roster churn. Particularly this time of year, when the comings-and-goings seem to be non-stop. It’s like musical chairs, but with large humans going in any number of different landing spots.
With that in mind, I think it is important to keep eyes on what is happening around the league. Sure, Bears cuts are top of mind. However, cuts elsewhere could (and in some cases, should) be catching the eyes of Chicago’s front office. Take the latest out of Dolphins camp as an example:
A surprise: The #Dolphins have released C Matt Skura, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2021
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports Miami is releasing center Matt Skura. It is important to note the terms being thrown around this time of year. A player being released means he can sign with any team once the deal goes down. But players who are waived must go through the waiver process. It’s a tiny detail, sure. However, it is one we should keep in mind. Anyway, let’s talk about why this cut is particularly interesting.
Skura, 28, has four years worth of starting experience in the NFL. One year after signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of Duke in 2016, Skura found himself starting 12 games at right guard in place of Marshal Yanda. The following season, Skura became Baltimore’s starting center after Ryan Jensen left for Tampa Bay in free agency. Skura has three seasons worth of starting experience at center and 54 games worth of NFL playing time under his belt. And even though Skura isn’t making the cut in Miami, it doesn’t mean he can’t be an intriguing option in Chicago.
The Bears should have a good feel for what Skura could bring to the table. For starters, the team just saw him earlier this month while the Bears and Dolphins were scrimmaging at Halas Hall before the preseason lid-lifter on Aug. 14. It wasn’t that long ago (2016 really wasn’t that long ago!) when this front office used the info it gathered at joint practices with the Patriots to pluck a nickel cornerback named Cre’Von LeBlanc and brought him onto the roster. And for what it’s worth, Bears OL Coach Juan Castillo was on the Ravens’ staff in 2016 when they brought on Skura as a UDFA.
Chicago’s starting offensive line is set. Jason Peters, Cody Whitehair, Sam Mustipher, James Daniels, and Germain Ifedi could make for a cromulent line. But the depth behind those starters leaves me wanting more. In other words, if an upgrade was to become available in the form of someone with worthwhile starting experience at multiple positions, the team should pursue said option. So while I’m unsure if the Bears will kick the tires on Skura, there is a sensible fit, player-coach history from a previous stop, and a possible need.
And if all else fails, it is good to keep our eyes open for surprising cuts like this one. You never know who could make this part of the roster churn that much more interesting…