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Bobby Massie Signing Will Significantly Impact Kyle Long

By Bill Zimmerman

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Bobby Massie against the Houston Texans during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Bobby Massie against the Houston Texans during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears made a big splash on day one of free agency by landing former Denver Broncos ILB Danny Trevathan. But GM Ryan Pace wasn’t done there. He re-inked Tracy Porter to a three-year deal, and he also locked in former Arizona Cardinals Right Tackle Bobby Massie.

Massie is a solid offensive lineman. He has steadily improved over the years with the Cardinals, and is only going to be 27-years old entering the 2016 season. Massie is entering his prime and the next few seasons should be the most productive of his career. He will start at right tackle in 2016 which means Kyle Long will need a new position.

While the signing may not look like any type of upgrade compared to Long’s season at right tackle. It actually is. The Bears have decided that after a year experimenting with Long at RT, they are going to move him back inside to guard where Long is arguably the best in the NFL. How did Kyle Long take the news that he would be moving back inside?

If the image is unclear, those are “Hallelujah” emojis. Long is thrilled he’s back inside and that will give the Bears offensive line a serious boost. With Massie at RT, even if he is a slight downgrade from Long (another year under his belt and he may be equal or an upgrade compared to Long’s 2015), the upgrade of having Long back at RG will be significant.

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The Bears seem comfortable with Kyle Long and Massie on the right side and Charles Leno and Matt Slauson on the left side. Hroniss Grasu is currently the Bears starting center but expect the Bears to bring in some insurance or potentially even some starting competition at the position until Grasu truly earns a starting spot.

Pace has more holes to fill, but he had a very productive day one and the Bears should be just as active in day two. The Bears will still be focusing on the defensive line, secondary, and tight end position before they settle in and turn their focus on the draft. The 2016 Chicago Bears are starting to take shape, and things continue to look up.

Bill Zimmerman is an editor and featured writer for FanSided‘s BearGogglesOn. Like his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter for more news and interaction.

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