Chicago Bears: 3 offensive tackles to sign with injury problems mounting

The Chicago Bears could sign offensive tackle Russell Okung

The longtime Seattle Seahawks tackle is still a free agent, and Russell Okung has not been in a hurry to sign this offseason. But, the 2-time Pro Bowl tackle does indeed plan to play this season. His time to sign, though, could be running out.

Okung has reportedly had offers this offseason, but none of them have been considered “satisfactory” in his eyes. Last year, Okung spent his lone season with the Carolina Panthers and started only seven games. For the 2020 season, Carolina paid him a pretty penny — $13.5 million.

If he thinks he’s going to get that kind of annual salary this late in the game, he’s likely going to be disappointed. However, he could end up starting on a team like the Bears right now, should his health hold up.

Health has been a major concern for Okung, which makes this suggestion seem a bit odd. However, if he is healthy, Okung is one of the better tackles in the league. He’s always been a fairly dependable player in both the run and pass game. But again, over his last two seasons, he’s played in just 13 of 32 possible games.

At this point, if the Bears were to offer him a 1-year deal worth $5-$7 million and could make room for the contract, it would be money well spent. When Jenkins gets back, he and Okung would be a formidable combo at the tackle positions.