Despite Kyle Long signing, Chicago Bears still need guard
The Chicago Bears got Kyle Long to restructure his deal. However, they still have a need at guard
Kyle Long taking a pay cut was great news. It did the Chicago Bears a huge favor as they do not have much salary cap space. It also ensured that he will finish his career with the Bears.
However, the Bears could have saved more money letting him go altogether. it is also fair to wonder if he would get any more money had he hit the open market.
He likely would have tested his value and came back to Chicago at the same reduced price he just took. This is a player over the age of 30 who have started 25 games in the past three seasons.
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Long does not just have one issue either. He has been dinged up in a variety of spots.
He has put together a strong career but should not be trusted as a dependable asset moving forward.
So, while the Bears saved money keeping Long on the team, they may want to take some of that money and put it towards a better backup option at guard.
They could also draft a guard with their first pick in the third round and have him groom under Long until that pick is ready or Long goes down again.
Extending Kyle Long was a good move for Long and it was a good move for the Bears. It does not change the fact that the two are on a year-by-year basis moving forward and the Bears have to put the added resources into upgrading the position.