NEWSLETTER
After a big splash of signings at the outset of free agency, things have slowed to a trickle. Not just with the Chicago Bears, but around the NFL. But fear not, friend. More signings are on the horizon. And even at positions deemed to be a need in Chicago.
The Athletic’s Adam Jahns hints at the Bears keeping an eye on the market with hopes of adding a right tackle:
This is an oddly specific thing to tweet at this stage of free agency.
I’m not suggesting a free-agent right tackle signing is imminent, but planting this on our radar now makes me think the Bears are reaching out and kicking the tires on potential options. And that would be a good thing for this front office. Yes, there is a due diligence factor here. However, as Jahns points out, this team’s top right tackle starting options are Larry Borom and Alex Leatherwood. I don’t think that is going to cut it for this regime. Clearly, the Bears don’t think so either. Otherwise, they wouldn’t still be browsing free agency for veteran help at the position.
Borom has appeared in 23 games, made 17 starts, and played three different positions as a pro. That isn’t something we should take for granted. Useful depth with playing experience at three different offensive line positions doesn’t fall out of the sky every day. But the Bears should strive to do better in terms of finding a full-time starter — right? Meanwhile, Leatherwood remains a worthwhile reclamation project in my eyes. Unfortunately, the Leatherwood at tackle experiment didn’t go all too well last year. Maybe the Raiders were right to move him inside as quickly as they did when he was a rookie in 2021.
These Free Agent Options Make Sense as Bears Fits
Now that we’ve re-established the Bears have a need at right tackle, who makes sense as a possible target?
Let’s name names:
I want to be VERY clear here: The Bears’ best path to rebuilding their offensive line is through the draft. It doesn’t matter if it comes in Round 1, Day 2, or even the seventh round. This team needs to attack the draft with an extra sense of vigor in order to build the type of unit it wants in front of quarterback Justin Fields. However, the Bears aren’t going to fix all their holes in one offseason. Hence, the need to use free agency to fill in the gaps. Good thing there are still options worth checking out. And perhaps one will be joining the Bears soon.
