Chicago Bears: 5 Bold predictions for the 2020 offseason
Build from the trenches out
If I am Ryan Pace, the first move I make this offseason is to sign a new offensive lineman or two. The move needs to happen right away and could shape the rest of the Chicago Bears offseason heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.
My first choice would be replacing Kyle Long at right guard with Brandon Scherff. Scherff is easily the top lineman hitting free agency and will not come cheap. Pace will need to be creative with the salary cap, but this move needs to be a priority in my opinion. The team has plenty of cuts to make and in all honesty, one of them could come from the offensive line.
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The Chicago Bears would have one of the highest complete offensive line salaries in the league, but Scherff is worth it in my opinion. He is the top lineman in free agency this season and would instantly improve the Bears offense. If the Bears are able to land Scherff in free agency, Charles Leno will still be on the roster. However, if they are unable to lock Scherff up, Pace could go a different route.
Jack Conklin is the second-best lineman who looks to be hitting free agency. He is an offensive tackle who could essentially replace Leno. The Bears could cut Leno and save nearly $3 million in salary-cap space. Conklin is a better than average right tackle. I am not sure he would be able to play left tackle, but I would take the risk of him at the position along with a 2020 draft pick.
The third best option for the Bears to look to add would be Colts’ left tackle Anthony Castonzo. Castonzo is getting a little up there in age but still plays at a high level. He would easily take over for Leno. The bold prediction here is that the Chicago Bears will add one of these three and have one of the highest salaries in the NFL at the offensive line position.