When the Chicago Bears initially brought Morgan Moses in for a visit there was optimism that the team was not quite done improving their offensive line. However, it was known from the jump that if Moses left his initial visit without a deal, the odds of him coming back and signing were going to be less likely.
Now, as it has been a few weeks since Moses has left, Chicago Bears fans should assume that Moses will not sign, and if he were to sign it would be a pleasant surprise.
There was a clear interest early into the process, Moses would not visit for no reason. However, there are likely a variety of issues that prevented him from signing.
Potential Healthy Issues
The biggest thing that comes from a player visiting a team facility is the physical. Every team wants to feel bette knowing that their doctors had hands on a player before he signed. To be fair to Moses he has not missed a start dating back 2014. That is pristine health.
However, there is more than just being active on Sundays and there may be built up stress or potential issues down the road. We are not health professionals, but we do know the Bears have had a nice track record with injuries.
Names such as Bryce Callahan and Cameron Meredith were let go with injury questions and have hardly been healthy since. Whether this is a reason or not, you do have to trust the Bears doctors.
Salary Issues
It is likely more about the salary than the physical for Morgan Moses. Or, perhaps it is a combination. Moses was set to make around $8 million this year with Washington and feels as though he can do the same for the team he signs with.
That is starting tackle money and that is how he views himself. The Bears may have been interested at a lower price, but balked when Moses insisted he would not sign for less.
We know the Bears are in a tough salary cap spot and while they could get creative to fit in Moses, it is just more work and kicking the can down the road.
The Bears may see Moses as fit and healthy, but may say that he has a lot of tread on his tires, he will be 30 this year, and if his price tag went down, they may have more interest.
Waiting to see the depth
Again, we cannot write off Moses coming back and signing in Chicago. However, we should assume that if he does it would not happen until training camp.
Moses likely would have signed if another team caved to his price demands. By the time that teams enter training camp, if Moses still is unsigned he may be more willing to talk.
Beyond that, the Chicago Bears may be more interested in signing him after getting a look at their depth in camp. They trust Germain Ifedi now, but he is not locked in until he shows something.
If other teams are comfortable at tackle, and do not offer Moses a deal at his demands, and if the Bears get to camp and are not happy with their depth at tackle, the two could connect on a deal.
However, the odds are that another team with a bigger need will feel more desperate and pay him what he wants before they get to camp. There is still a chance, but the longer it goes, the more likely one of these teams makes a move.