Chicago Bears – Remaining Free Agents (O-Line)
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Tackles
The combo of LT Jermon Bushrod and RT Jordan Mills was below league average overall. There is talk of moving Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long to one of the tackle positions, but even if that happens the Bears could still use an upgrade at the other tackle position. I expect the Bears new management to at least bring in some competition at tackle.
OT Jake Long, Rams (29 | 6’7 | 315) – Former #1 pick overall in the 2008 draft who made the Pro Bowl in his first four seasons in the league (08-11). Long hasn’t played a full season since, but when healthy he is one of the best left tackles in the NFL. The Bears have a bottom tier LT in Jermon Bushrod but are stuck with him contractually for at least another season. Long only played 6.5 games last year before suffering his 2nd ACL tear, but in 2013 Long started 15 games and was PFF’s 7th rated left tackle with a 22.5 grade. When healthy Long can do it all and is a premier player at a premier position. Long’s recent injury history will keep the cost reasonable and if he’s healthy he would be the best O-lineman on the Bears roster.
OT Anthony Collins, Bucs (29 | 6’5 | 317) – In his first year as a starter at left tackle (2013), PFF ranked Collins as the 13th best left tackle in the league which earned him a 5-year, $30M contract from the Bucs last offseason. Collins played so poorly for the Bucs that he was benched for the last four weeks of the season and then released last week. Collins is no longer young at 29 years old but his track record suggests that he is a much better player than he showed with the Bucs last year. His massively disappointing season should keep his price to a minimum, but Collins has proved he can play left tackle competently in the NFL and could be a free agent bargain as a back-up swing tackle with starter upside.
OT Chris Hairston, Bills (26 | 6’6 | 341): Massive tackle who has experience on both sides of the line. He’s probably better off at RT due to his ability to be a mauling run blocker and below average mobility. Hairston is solid in pass pro, but struggles at times with speed rushers and blocking in space. I think he would be an upgrade over Jordan Mills on the right side, but if Mills keeps the job Hairston would give the Bears a solid swing tackle with upside.