NEWSLETTER
We can go back-and-forth about our preferences for possible Bears receiver targets until we’re blue in the face. In fact, I plan on doing so with free agency opening next week and the NFL Draft going down next month.
But one thing I think we can all agree on is that the Bears should also be prioritizing offensive line as a position of need this offseason. Piecing together a solid line in one offseason isn’t easy. However, new Bears GM Ryan Poles is familiar with what it could look like. After all, it was at this time last year when the Chiefs went all-in on rebuilding an offensive line that got pantsed by the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl. Kansas City was able to use free agency, the NFL Draft, and trade routes to re-stock the line for a team that went to the AFC Championship Game yet again.
As for how the Bears will go about rebuilding their line, that remains to be seen. But what it won’t include is an offensive tackle who was deemed to be a possible Bears fit:
Jaguars placed the franchise tag on OL Cam Robinson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2022
Sheesh!
Another Franchise Tag was given out before today’s 3 p.m. CT deadline. This time it was the Jaguars placing it on left tackle Cam Robinson — the second consecutive season in which Robinson has been given the tag. Robinson can’t get the tag again, so maybe we’ll re-visit his free agency at this time next year. Had he not been tagged, we likely would’ve been considering Robinson a Bears target. Earlier in the offseason, the Bears were deemed a fit by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler for three top-50 free agents. Robinson was the highest-ranking one, coming in at No. 32. And even though he wasn’t the best offensive tackle on the market, he figured to be the one who would be the most realistic fit. But now, he won’t even hit free agency.
Tough break for teams looking for offensive line help.
Ya know … teams like the Bears?
For whatever it is worth, the Bears still have Teven Jenkins. I’m still high on his upside as a tackle on either side of the line. Larry Borom was a Day 3 pick in last year’s draft, but has starting experience, size, and skill. He remains a project, but an intriguing one at that. Otherwise, the Bears don’t have much in terms of young offensive line talent with notable upside. This group could use an infusion of youth, veteran leadership, and most importantly, impact skill. Don’t get me wrong. The Bears need to address their skill position needs. But they also need to acknowledge that Justin Fields can’t throw if he is in the grasps of angry defenders. In other words, PLEASE BUILD OUT THAT OFFENSIVE LINE.
