Chicago Bears Should Sign Free Agent Offensive Tackle Austin Pasztor
Free agent offensive tackle Austin Pasztor needs to be on the Chicago Bears’ radar.
The Chicago Bears did a nice job of being selectively aggressive in free agency this offseason. They had a ton of cap space available but did not go big after the top-tier free agents. Instead, the Bears attacked the middle of the market, looking to find undervalued assets.
The Bears committed a lot of 2017 money to Mike Glennon, but can easily get out of the contract after one year. If Glennon hits big, the Bears found great value. If not, they can move on without an issue.
The signings of cornerback Marcus Cooper, wide receiver Kendall Wright and safety Quintin Demps were other low-cost, high-upside additions that I liked. The major NFL free agency frenzy is over, but there are still high-value players on the market who the Chicago Bears should be looking at.
Former Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Austin Pasztor stands out as a particularly interesting fit. Pasztor is not exactly an All-Pro up front but he is only 26-years-old and showed a bit of upside at right tackle for the Browns last season.
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Pasztor started 15 games at right tackle last year and showed a nice overall skill set. He has quick feet and good overall athleticism for the position that helps him compete in pass protection. Pasztor also fires off of the ball quickly and shows a powerful punch in the run game. He is already a high-level run blocker and has shown some nice upside as a pass protector.
The Bears showed interest in right tackle Ricky Wagner early in the free agency period. Wagner is an elite right tackle who quickly signed with the Detroit Lions. Pasztor is not anywhere near the same level of Wagner, but them targeting him shows that they are interested in improving their right tackle situation.
Bobby Massie was a disaster at right tackle last season. He is a complete liability in pass protection and is no better than above average as a run blocker. Glennon has some upside at the quarterback position for the Bears, but mobility is not a strong part of his game. If Massie is protecting him at right tackle, Glennon is going to be a sitting duck. The Bears need to find a better option at the position.
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Pasztor is not a guaranteed improvement at right tackle, but he is a young and talented guy with some upside. If the price is right, the Chicago Bears should look to bring him in to at least compete with Massie.