Chicago Bears: 5 options to replace Josh Sitton

5. Zach Fulton

This brings us to the free agent option that is most likely.  Not only that but signing Zach Fulton also makes the most sense.  Obviously, there is a logical connection between the Bears and Fulton.  Fulton currently plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, Matt Nagy’s previous employer.  Not only will Nagy be able to provide tremendous insight into Fulton’s skillset, but will be able to speak to what type of teammate he is.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of this previous relationship is the fact that Fulton will have some familiarity with the offense Nagy plans to implement in Chicago.  This would provide a tremendous benefit to the rest of the offensive line who could lean on Fulton to help them learn the new blocking schemes.  It also gives the Bears a “plug-and-play” offensive lineman who could make a seamless transition for this new coaching staff.

Beyond the personal connection, Fulton is a very good offensive lineman.  He is fairly big for a guard, at 6′ 5″ and 324 lbs.  However, he moves extremely well for his size and has very quick and nimble feet.  He engages quickly off the snap, and constantly churns his feet to drive defensive linemen out of position.

Another intriguing aspect of signing Fulton is his versatility.  Fulton has played 63 games in his NFL career.  During that time, he has rotated between both guard positions as well as center.  Our own Khari Thompson wrote a piece earlier this week stressing the importance of keeping Whitehair at center for his own development.

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However, If the Bears do decide to move Whitehair back to OG, Fulton could easily slide over to center.  With the number of injuries the Bears have had, it would be a very good thing to have an offensive lineman skilled at multiple positions.

Bottom Line

Although it was a mild surprise, the decision to release Josh Sitton is not necessarily a bad one.  It will allow the team to get younger at the position, and replace him with a player who fits into their long-term plans.  Ryan Pace also has a number of options to consider in replacing Sitton.  Bears fans just have to hope he picks the right one.