Chicago Bears should target one of these free agent tackles
By Ryan Heckman
Chicago Bears free agent offensive tackle targets: Kelvin Beachum
After playing for his fourth team in nine seasons, former seventh-rounder Kelvin Beachum will hit free agency once again. The 31-year-old and former SMU product is going to be a cheaper name on the market, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a bad option for the Bears.
Last year, the Cardinals signed Beachum for the veteran minimum and he went on to start all 16 games, playing very well.
Per Pro Football Focus, Beachum has graded much better in pass protection throughout his career than he has in run blocking. Still an average run blocker and not someone who will be a detractor, Beachum does indeed serve as an efficient pass protector.
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That’s something the Bears will want to focus on in finding their next tackle because getting the right quarterback and protecting him should be priority number one. Still, David Montgomery turned it up last year and the interior of the line came together very well in terms of providing running lanes.
Beachum could find himself getting a one or two-year deal worth an average of $3-$5 million annually. That’s something Chicago should definitely look into because it’s a highly affordable deal and probably the right number of years for a guy who is over 30.