Chicago Bears Free Agency: Identifying the best offensive free agents at each position
The Chicago Bears must find an upgrade at right tackle
The right tackle position and the center position are the two on the offensive line that must be addressed this offseason. There are more right tackle prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft than left, but if I'm Ryan Poles, I'm going to look at drafting a tackle and signing an upgrade in free agency. Larry Borom is a fine depth piece, but nothing more and I want to see a right tackle with some experience paired with a draft pick who can compete to start. Here are some of the top free agents at RT.
- Mike McGlinchey
- Jawaan Taylor
- Kaleb McGary
- Jermaine Eluemunor
- Andrew Wylie
The three names being thrown around among Chicago Bears social media are Mike McGlinchey, Jawaan Taylor and Kaleb McGary. McGlinchey is the best overall option. He isn't elite in pass protection or run blocking, but he is above average in both categories. Jawaan Taylor has shown elite pass-blocking skills, but cannot run-block very well. McGary is the opposite of Taylor as he can run block better than most but struggles in the passing game.
My Bears Choice: Jawaan Taylor
Originally, I was on the Mike McGlinchey bandwagon. I wanted the player who is familiar with the Chicago Bears' running scheme but is also the most complete free-agent right tackle on the market. I still would not be upset if he is the right tackle signing this offseason. However, lately, I have come around to the idea of Jawaan Taylor based on his age (25) and the fact I want Justin Fields to have more time to throw the ball. Taylor may be an awful run blocker, but he is a fantastic pass blocker. Let's keep Fields upright and use tight ends to chip and help with run blocking.