The Chicago Bears have a new General Manager and head coach, and with that are going to do things a bit differently than in the past. That could mean spending on free agent offensive lineman after Ryan Pace filled to keep the room stocked.
The top free agent available on the offensive line is left tackle Terron Armstead. Is this a player that the Chicago Bears should have their eyes on?
Projected contract for Terron Armstead
Both Pro Football Focus, and Spotrac have projected contracts for Armstead, and both are similar in structure. One is a three-year deal, while the other is for four years. However, the average annual value is set between $19.125 and $19.25M. That is roughly the same total.
Whether the deal is three or four years, the Chicago Bears will have to answer whether they plan to pay nearly $20M for a veteran left tackle.
Chicago Bears should sign Terron Armstead
It is time to build up the offensive line, and the easiest way to do that is to sign the best. Armstead is a veteran so there is no slow build-up or teaching moments. This is throwing a left tackle into the lineup and watching him impact the line.
Teven Jenkins is slotted into the left tackle but has always been a more natural right tackle. The move could push Larry Borom to guard and could have Chicago passing on bringing James Daniels back.
Armstead is older, but we saw in San Francisco that Trent Williams changed teams after years in Washington and the second he stepped in the lineup, the 49ers line changed. That is a similar impact that Armstead could have.
Chicago Bears should pass on Terron Armstead
This season Armstead will be 31 years old. Some offensive linemen age better than others, but 31 is typically when you at least have to be nervous. Beyond that, it could easily impact Armstead faster than others because of his long injury history.
Armstead only played eight games last season and has never put together a completely healthy season. This is why he is never on the All-Pro team lists and talked about with the greats. He has not been able to stay on the field.
Coming into an older prospect, with injury concerns is not the best way to start your regime. Fixing the line makes sense, but they need to do it with young, and healthy talent.