Chicago Bears: Previewing potential Bears roster moves
Offensive line
Currently, Charles Leno Jr., Kyle Long, Cody Whitehair and Bobby Massie are currently pegged in as starters. We still aren’t sure when Long will be back, since he is having a few surgeries this offseason. Guard Josh Sitton was recently cut, which leaves a hole at left guard.
That brings up the question: should Cody Whitehair move back to guard? That would mean they need to add a center. Still, I wouldn’t because Whitehair can be an elite center. When you have an elite center you don’t move him.
In free agency, Zach Fulton has familiarity with Matt Nagy’s system and can play both guard and center.
Watching film on some potential free agents. Someone's going to get a gem in Zach Fulton (center #73). Displays lots of solid traits. pic.twitter.com/t8UOviXEto
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 16, 2018
Also, Andrew Norwell of the Carolina Panthers is due to hit the market. He’s only 26 and is a pro bowler. He could cost 11-12 million per season, though.
.@Panthers @AndrewNorwell and his talent doesn’t come along in FA very often. You can’t build a great offense without being great in the trenches. #BaldyBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/GOFlsVGAt8
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) February 27, 2018
If Fulton or Norwell aren’t signed by the Chicago Bears, there will be a lot of Quenton Nelson chatter. His offensive line coach from Notre Dame, Harry Hiestand, is now a coach with the Chicago Bears. He appears to be a sure-fire draft pick, so there are many options to replace Sitton.
Also, Pace could look for an improvement over Massie. In the draft, Connor Williams or Orlando Brown are likely targets.
I like Eric Kush and Tom Compton as veteran depth because of their ability to play multiple positions along the offensive line.