Dec. 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets guard Brandon Moore (65) looks to make a block during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
There are more popular targets out there. There are younger prospects out there. But for the Chicago Bears, former New York Jets guard Brandon Moore might make the most season as a free agent target. Moore is just one season removed from a Pro Bowl appearance, but at 33, he might not draw the same interest as younger guard prospects like Buffalo’s Andy Levitre or Louis Vazquez of the Chargers.
Moore wasn’t really on my radar as a prospective free agent target, but after reading Sean Jensen’s piece in the Sun Times, I did a little digging. We know Phil Emery is into stats, so considering Moore’s top rating among the available free agent offensive guards from Pro Football Focus, this seems like a Phil Emery type of move.
Ignore the fact that Moore became the “butt” of a lot of jokes after his backside became the other half of the most unlikely fumble of the 2012 season, Mark Sanchez’s infamous “butt fumble.”
Think back to 2004, when the Bears added former Buffalo Bills guard Ruben Brown. Many thought the veteran guard was washed up, but he proved to be a valuable and reliable piece for the Bears team that went on to Super Bowl XLI behind one of the best offensive lines in football.
Could Moore offer a stopgap so the Bears can draft a developmental guard in the latter rounds of the draft or as insurance in case Lance Louis doesn’t come back fully healthy. (Assuming of course the Bears try to sign the free agent Louis, who’s coming off a torn ACL.)
While most observers think the Bears will target a tackle, it might make more sense for them to go get a solid guard at a lower price so they can keep some of their own free agents or make a run at some other free agents when the bidding war starts Friday after midnight.
What do you think? Would you go after Moore or does another offensive line prospect make better sense? Do you think the Bears will zig when everyone thinks they’ll zag? Phil Emery has a history of using misdirection; could this alleged interest in Moore just be part of his process? Let’s see your Comments.
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