Chicago Bears Will Reportedly Sign Offensive Tackle Tom Compton
The Chicago Bears will reportedly sign free agent offensive tackle Tom Compton. A strong depth addition for the team.
Ideally, the Chicago Bears would be able to add a new starting right tackle this off season. Bobby Massie is a complete liability as a pass protector and the offense is always going to struggle if he is getting significant playing time.
The Bears showed interest in Ricky Wagner, who would have been a huge upgrade over Massie at right tackle. However, Wagner signed with the Detroit Lions instead, leaving the Bears looking for scraps.
According to Jason La Canfora, the Bears have come to an agreement with offensive tackle Tom Compton. Compton joins the Bears after playing last season with the Atlanta Falcons. He did not start any games for the Falcons last season.
Compton is a tough and physical offensive tackle who has a fair bit of athleticism. He is a solid, but unspectacular player who brings some stability up front. Unfortunately, Compton is not an upgrade over Massie.
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The Bears are probably looking at Compton as their primary swing tackle. He will be a solid backup to both Massie at right tackle and Charles Leno at left tackle.
Compton is a solid veteran tackle, but he does not solve the Bears’ issues at the position. Ideally, they would still look to find an upgrade over Massie at right tackle. The free agent market is pretty bare at this point, but Austin Pasztor is a guy who would make some sense.
However, it is more likely that the Bears would be able to find a replacement in the 2017 NFL Draft. A guy like Taylor Moton or Garett Bolles would make a lot of sense for this team.
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If the Bears can snag Moton, Bolles or another possible starting right tackle, having the security of Compton would allow them to release Massie. Compton is unlikely to be a big-time performer for this team, but he is a stable veteran who will be nice for the Bears to have around. Good under-the-radar move here.