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Chicago Bears: Josh Sitton Helps Strengthen O-Line for 2016

By Clyde A. Speller

Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Josh Sitton (71) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Josh Sitton (71) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Even before the 2016 regular season starts, the Chicago Bears seem to be looking forward to the distant future. On Saturday, the Bears already signed Pro Bowl right guard Kyle Long to a four-year extension worth $40 million with $30 million guaranteed. Now, after a surprising cut by the Green Bay Packers, Chicago inked a three-year, $21.5 million deal with Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton.

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This was a move that was greatly needed by the Bears. Chicago’s depth along the offensive line has grown thin. The retirements of Manny Ramirez and Nate Chandler, the season-ending injury to Hroniss Grasu, and the questionable release of Matt Slauson are all main reasons for the O-line’s current situation. The addition of Sitton will put rookie Cody Whitehair as a backup, giving the offensive front some much-needed depth. There’s no word at this point on whether Sitton will start in Week 1 versus the Houston Texans, but it’s almost evident that he’ll be inserted into the starting lineup in the near future at the very least.

Sitton’s presence on the field is something that could vastly improve the Bears’ pass protection for quarterback Jay Cutler. In all four preseason games Chicago has played, the offensive line has surrender a grand total of 13 sacks. With two Pro Bowlers barricading interior pass rushers, the job may be a bit easier for tackles Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie (as well as the backs in the backfield) to keep rushers from the outside at bay. And as far as trying to get a step ahead of the Packers, Sitton’s knowledge of Green Bay’s defense could possibly help the Bears sweep their hated rivals for the first time in what seems to be forever.

There’s no telling how long it will take for Sitton to completely get in sync with the rest of the offensive line. However, this signing should help Cutler and the rest of the offense flourish a little bit more for not only this season, but for the next few years as well.

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