Contract For New Chicago Bears LT Jermon Bushrod
Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Jermon Bushrod (74) celebrates a victory in overtime with kicker Garrett Hartley (5) against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears dropped some serious cash to hopefully solve their left tackle situation by signing former New Orleans Saints tackle Jermon Bushrod to a five year deal. Just how much did they spend? Follow me past the jump to find out.
NFL Network’s Albert Breer tweeted the terms of Bushrod’s five year deal with the Bears:
Jermon Bushrod deal's in Chicago: $35.965M over five years, $17.715M guaranteed.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 12, 2013
That should average out to a shade over $7 million per season, which falls in line with what the New York Giants spent to re-sign Will Beatty . As Brad Biggs tweeted, this makes Bushrod the highest paid offensive lineman in Chicago Bears franchise history.
I saw some pretty steep figures for guards Andy Levitre at six years and nearly $47 million to the Titans and and Louis Vazquez for about $24 million over 4 years to the Broncos, so that’s about the going rate.
It will be interesting to see what OT Jake Long commands on the open market. He’s been considered the top of the free agent class. Consider that the Kansas City Chiefs tagged Brandon Albert, which is worth over $9.8 million.
Bushrod will be expected to step in immediately as the Bears left tackle, which will push J’Marcus Webb to compete for the right tackle spot, where he started in his rookie season or to play the swing tackle spot.
What do you think Bears fans? Is this a good deal for the Bears? Did they overpay? Would you have preferred they sign someone else? Let’s see your comments!