4. Andrew Norwell
Andrew Norwell is certainly the most popular free agent option. With his long locks, the Carolina Panthers standout might even remind some Bears fans of Josh Sitton. However, that is likely where the similarities end. The 26-year-old Norwell is a dominant offensive lineman who has not missed a game in two years. He was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2017 and would be a tremendous upgrade to Sitton.
Assuming Kyle Long returns healthy, and Whitehair continues to develop at center, Norwell would make the interior line a dominant force. Norwell is by far the best offensive guard (and perhaps offensive lineman) in the 2017 free agent class.
Andrew Norwell is the highest graded upcoming free agent guard from 2017! pic.twitter.com/sZ9lU2iiEr
— PFF (@PFF) February 14, 2018
By now, you may be wondering why in the world the Bears would not sign Norwell if the Panthers do not place the franchise tag on him. The primary reason is that the Bears would likely have to break the bank in order to sign him. Earlier this week, it was reported that the New York Giants were prepared to make Norwell the highest paid offensive guard in NFL history.
Spoke w/ Giants source on Andrew Norwell... Said Giants prepared make Norwell highest paid Guard NFL History. And if new Agent Drew Rosenhaus takes Norwell elsewhere (49ers) it would create friction in relationship. Assumes Panthers don't Tag Norwell... But Giants are SERIOUS.
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) February 14, 2018
If true, it is hard to imagine the Bears would tie up that kind of coin in an interior lineman. Considering they signed Kyle Long to a 4 year/$40 million dollar extension in 2016, that is a lot of money tied up in your offensive guards. While a Norwell signing would excite every Bears fan, it is unlikely at his asking price.