Should the Chicago Bears retain free agent Eric Kush or let him walk via free agency?
As the Chicago Bears enter free agency all eyes will be on Adrian Amos and Bryce Callahan. However, what they decide to do with Eric Kush will be a tough decision as well. They do not have a lot of options at guard, but they could also upgrade.
Should the Chicago Bears keep Eric Kush or let him walk.
Keep
Eric Kush started the season at left guard and put in some work at right guard. His versatility is valued if he were brought back as a depth lineman. Kush has been an above average pass blocker in all three years that he has played with the Bears, and while he is not a strong run blocker, he graded much better than Bryan Witzmann.
Kush has a good report with the Bears. While he should not be relied on as a starter he can provide depth and should come cheap with a bit of a team friendly discount. With no risk, Kush is a better option than Witzmann and one likely to bring back.
Let go
When Kyle Long went down the team went with Bryan Witzmann over Eric Kush. Despite struggles for Witzmann, they still rolled with him over Kush. Heck, for the last playoff game Kush was inactive.
It could be explained that Kush was banged up, he did miss a game that led to James Daniels taking over at left guard. He came back at right guard, may have reaggravated the injury and then was replaced by Witzmann.
Still, that would mean two serious injuries for Kush in the past two seasons. Remember, he missed 2017 with an ACL. If he could not finish two seasons healthy, what good do they have kept him on their roster over any replacement level player who can?
If Kush is going to want to come back, it will be on a minimum salary deal with little guarantees. He could come in as camp competition for a depth role, but cannot be guaranteed a spot.