Changing of the Guard: Chicago Bears Set to Sign Former Jets Guard Matt Slauson

Dec 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets guard Matt Slauson (68) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Jets 28-9. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

One goes out, one comes in.  The Chicago Bears are wasting no time replacing Lance Louis on their roster.  When the former 7th round guard announced he was signing with the Dolphins earlier this week, fans panicked about what would happen next.  Fear not, Phil Emery has a plan for that by signing former Jets guard Matt Slauson to a one-year deal.

A lot of experts, myself included,  thought the Bears would go after another Jets guard, Brandon Moore.  Slauson isn’t quite as accomplished, but he’s younger and likely cheaper.

Slauson was a sixth round selection out of Nebraska by the Jets in 2009 and has played both guard and center.   He has started all 16 games for the Jets the last three seasons, so durability should not be a question.  Slauson graded out with a positive ranking from Pro Football Focus and has generally had a solid career.  He’s only 27, so he should be entering his prime.  He came under fire a bit when he cut Brian Cushing, who tore his ACL on the play last season.

I like that he’s played both center and guard because I wasn’t sure who would back Roberto Garza up since Chris Spencer is no longer with the team.   Slauson becomes the most experienced guard on the Bears roster besides Garza, who moved from guard to center when Olin Kreutz left a couple of years ago.  I expect him to compete with a draft pick for the starting left guard spot.

It’s another solid move that gives the Bears more flexibility in the upcoming draft.

What do you think?  Is this is a good move or another band aid for the offensive line?