Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace speaks at NFL Scouting Combine
The NFL Scouting Combine begins in earnest on Wednesday and Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace met with reporters on Wednesday morning.
For the first time since the conclusion of the 2015 NFL regular season, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace met with reporters on Wednesday. The NFL Scouting Combine begins in earnest on Wednesday and Pace addressed the Bears off-season plan while meeting with reporters on Wednesday morning.
More from Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Next Chicago Bears starting quarterback makes Bowl Game decision
- Chicago Bears appear in the hunt while on track for the first pick
- Chicago Bears: They are who we thought they were
- Chicago Bears Rumors: Kevin Warren to oversee football operations
The biggest question mark that the Bears have this off-season is wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery is set to become a free agent on March 9 but it would appear that the Bears will have something done with the wide receiver by then. Pace told reporters that the team remains in negotiations with Jeffery about a long-term contract.
#Bears GM Ryan Pace says team is negotiating to sign WR Alshon Jeffery to a long-term contract. Said franchise tag remains an "option."
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 24, 2016
It seems to be a certainty that the Bears will not allow Jeffery to hit the open market on March 9. If the Bears are unable to come to terms on a long-term contract with Jeffery by next Tuesday, March 2, then the team will apply the franchise tag to the wide receiver. March 2 is the deadline for teams to utilize the franchise tag.
Another question mark for the Bears is the offensive line. It would appear that Kyle Long is locked in at the team’s right tackle position but the team still needs an answer at the right guard and left tackle positions. Pace, though, spoke highly of Charles Leno potentially being the Bears’ left tackle.
Pace on #Bears LT Charles Leno: "I am confident in Leno and I thought he got better as the season went on. And I think Leno is a natural LT"
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 24, 2016
After struggling at the right tackle position during the pre-season in 2015, Leno made a home for himself at the left tackle position during the 2015 season. Leno was productive enough to unseat Jermon Bushrod as the team’s starting left tackle. Though, Bushrod was battling injuries during the 2015 season.
In any event, Pace stressed that the goal for the Bears is to start the five best offensive linemen.
Pace said the goal is to start the best 5 offensive linemen. They need to get a right guard for sure.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 24, 2016
The Bears definitely do need to address the right guard position. Vladimir Ducasse is a free agent, and given his struggles in 2015, the Bears would be best to seek a replacement for the 2016 season. The Bears likely will target the offensive guard position in free agency but could ultimately find their next starting right guard in the 2016 NFL Draft.
One thing is certain, the Bears have plenty of cap space to address their needs this off-season. Pace emphasized that the team needs to be “strategic” when trying to improve their roster this off-season.
Pace on FA: "We have a lot of needs. We have a lot of cap space. We just have to be mindful and strategic with what we do."
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 24, 2016
There is no question that this is an important off-season for Pace and the Bears. Pace spent his first off-season deconstructing the team’s off-season. This off-season, Pace will look to add not only long-term fixes to the Bears’ roster but players that will help the team contend.
Related Story: 2016 NFL Mock Draft
What do you expect from Ryan Pace in his second off-season as general manager of the Chicago Bears? Sound off in the comments section with your thoughts.