Chicago Bears: 3 reasons to sign Eric Kush over Bryan Witzmann
If the Chicago Bears had to decide between Eric Kush or Bryan Witzmann they should re-sign Kush
Heading into the offseason there are two big debates. The first is Adrian Amos or Bryce Callahan. The second is how comfortable are the Chicago Bears with Kyle Long and what they can do to add depth behind him?
Whoever they bring in they are going still going to need depth to fill out the position. Last year the team was put in the position of starting Eric Kush and Bryan Witzmann for extended stretches, and that did not go well.
However, as both enter free agency, they can be in consideration to be brought back as depth players who were in over their head last season.
If the Chicago Bears had to bring one back as their depth offensive lineman, they should choose Eric Kush over Bryan Witzmann.
1. Run Blocking
The fact of the matter is that when Eric Kush was on the field, the Chicago Bears had more success on the ground than when Bryan Witzmann was on the field. This may have to do with Kush also having snaps at left guard and Kyle Long delivering strong run blocking across from him while Witzmann had the rookie James Daniels his entire stint.
Still, the fact is that Witzmann had poor tape as a run blocker, and that is why the Bears are looking to upgrade from him. Eric Kush did not start over Witzmann but also was often on the injury report.
Witzmann was healthier last season; Kush was the better player.
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2. Versatility
On top of being the better player, he played more positions. Eric Kush held off James Daniels at left guard for the first three weeks of the season. Then, he shifted over to right guard when called upon.
Eric Kush was also listed as the backup at center behind Cody Whitehair. Bryan Witzmann has played left guard in his career but only played right guard in Chicago. He does not bring center value.
Getting a depth guard, but also a backup center is important in adding Kush.
3. Continuity
Yes, both have just one season with Harry Hiestand. Yes, Bryan Witzmann has played with Matt Nagy longer. However, Kush has more snaps beside Cody Whitehair and Charles Leno. He has snaps at center with Kyle Long beside him.
Kush has been known as a locker room guy and a fun teammate to be around. Providing Whitehair continuity in his backup center and keeping a player who pushed James Daniels all summer could be beneficial over the player who was signed this winter.