4 Offensive tackles the Chicago Bears must still consider in free agency
Cameron Erving
Do not go looking for Cameron Erving‘s Pro Football Focus grade. He scored a 44.8 for the Kansas City Chiefs last year. In limited action as a tackle for the Chiefs (Erving plays both guard and tackle), he proved he is a better pass blocker than a run blocker. This could sway me to just look past him, but again, this signing would be for depth and competition, not with the idea Erving is a lock to start.
With Erving coming off such a horrid season, the Chicago Bears should be able to add him for a budget too. This would likely be another one-year deal, but the difference here is how Erving fits the mold of Pace’s free-agent additions. If you did not guess it, Erving is another former first-round draft pick. He was the 19th overall pick of the Browns in 2015.
Erving is 6’5″ and 313lbs. He will be 28 years old before the 2020 regular season, but he comes with versatility to switch up spots again. Like Hurst, Erving should be able to be had relatively cheap. These guys should both see less than $3 million dollars per year and I only see the Chicago Bears giving Erving a one-year deal.
Not to mention, Erving has a connection to Matt Nagy. Nagy was the offensive coordinator for the Chiefs in 2017 and this was the first year Erving played for them. With the offseason in shambles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is possible Nagy would want to see a familiar face — even if to just be a backup.
Before I go, Demar Dotson has to be my favorite target for Ryan Pace of these four. Kelvin Beachum falls in at number two and then even though Erving looked awful last season, I would probably go him over James Hurst because of the looming suspension. If none of these guys work out, there are a handful of other names Pace could wait on and hopefully snag them cheap.
Next. Trubisky will start in 2020. dark
Some notable mentions Pace could look into at offensive tackle include Jason Peters, Cordy Glenn or Greg Robinson. None of these guys stand out (Peters would if not 38) as guaranteed locks to compete in free agency, but the team cannot leave their offensive line depth (and starters) the way it is currently. The position is clearly weak at the moment in regards to depth. Adding one of these guys could solve the Leno/Massie problem, or he could ride the bench. as a valuable backup.