Chicago Bears Offseason Stock Watch: Charles Leno
Has the stock on the Chicago Bears offensive tackle Charles Leno gone up or down this offseason?
The Chicago Bears made a lot of moves to try to revamp the team and make another run to the playoffs. However, one area that all fans will point to as an area of neglect was offensive line. That has to be a good sign for Charles Leno.
Ok, they did make a few moves to upgrade the line. They signed Germain Ifedi, who likely will compete for guard reps. They also spent two draft picks on the line. Of course, it was two late seventh-round picks, and almost any analysis on both picks would say that they were likely UDFA candidates. The Bears identified these two and thought they would not be able to sign them as UDFAs, so they went with late picks on them.
Still, these are two project players and both of them have profiled to be competing for guard snaps, although Arlington Hambright has versatility.
Still, this points to the Bears investing in guard, and really not investing much at all. That means that there has been little to no movement on the tackle front.
Fans may not like Charles Leno, but Ryan Pace views him differently than fans do. Pace gave him a contract and signed him to a below-market deal. When you look at his play, he may get criticized, and he is not elite but does provide value at left tackle.
Next. What would a Tarik Cohen extension look like?. dark
Leno is signed through the 2021 season. With almost no depth behind him, and with the backing of Pace, fans should expect not only to see Leno start this season but also in 2021, so long as Pace stays. It is more likely that the team replaces their right tackle next offseason. So, after an offseason where the team all but ensured his starting spot for the long term future, it has to be noted that his stock is up.