Chicago Bears Free Agent Review 2017: Tom Compton
The Chicago Bears signed Tom Compton to a one-year, $1.85 Million deal last offseason. Was it worth it?
The Chicago Bears went into their last offseason knowing that did not have much depth on hand at tackle. That is why early in free agent signing period the team brought in Tom Compton on a one-year deal. Compton spent four years with the Atlanta Falcons, starting in 11 games at both guard and tackle. The Bears saw his versatility and upside from his limited chances and gave him a shot.
2017 review
Compton’s versatility came in handy. Compton was brought in for depth at tackle, but due to injuries to Eric Kush, Josh Sitton, and Kyle Long he was pushed into a reserve guard role for most of the season. He wound up playing significant snaps in six games this season, almost all at guard. He was not great in any way, but he was used.
Did he exceed expectations?
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At the end of the day, he did. They gave him a one-year deal worth under $2 million. Just for not getting cut it could be argued that he met his expectations per his cap value to the team. To get in and play a position that he is not used to due to multiple injuries and not completely embarrass himself makes the signing worthwhile.
Future with Bears
His future is very clearly up in the air. His versatility and value to the team last season has to factor in. However, again, that is all weighted on the fact that there were no expectations for him. To give him any more this season than you did last season would likely be an unwise move. It will be interesting to see if the two can get something done because the Bears would definitely be interested in another one-year, low-risk deal.