Chicago Bears: 5 options to replace Josh Sitton

3. Justin Pugh

If Ryan Pace does not like the idea of starting off the year with either Kush or Morgan at RG, then he will look first to free agency.  There are a number of interesting options this year, including Justin Pugh of the New York Giants.  Pugh has consistently been one of the most reliable offensive guards in the game since coming out of Syracuse University.

While some may look at his statistics and performance last season and consider it a down year, there was a good reason.  Like the Chicago Bears, the Giants offensive line was hit by the injury bug.  This forced the team to play Pugh out of position at right tackle.  While the versatile lineman has played left tackle and right tackle in his career, his best position is at guard – specifically left guard.  He is universally considered a dominant left guard in the NFL, and would certainly be an upgrade to Sitton.

Although he has not specifically played the right guard position, he has demonstrated enough versatility throughout his career that a switch should not be an issue.

However, it is not all sunshine and rainbows with Pugh.  Most notably, Pugh has a substantial injury history.  In fact, in his entire career, he has only played one full season, and that was his rookie year.  Since then, his games per year have been on the decline.

In addition, because he is one of the top offensive guards in free agency, he will want to be paid as one.  Perhaps teams will be hesitant to give him a long-term deal because of his injury history.  Either way, the Bears would be wise not to overpay for Pugh.  They have had enough offensive lineman miss time due to injuries.  They do not need to tie up more money in players who cannot stay on the field.