Chicago Bears: 3 backup plans to pursue instead of Orlando Brown Jr.

Chicago Bears’ best backup plans instead of Orlando Brown Jr.: Donovan Smith

Finally, the best free agent option still available has to be former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Donovan Smith, who was cut this offseason to save some against the cap. Still, Smith has been one of the better offensive tackles over the last few seasons and is coming off a couple years protecting Tom Brady.

According to Spotrac, Smith’s projected market value is a whopping $19.5 million per season, which is along the same lines as what Mike McGlinchey got from the Denver Broncos. Smith is set to turn 30 years old here soon, so that might be a bit of an overpay, especially considering he’s never made an All Pro team or even a Pro Bowl. Still, he’s been an above average tackle.

If Smith goes unsigned for a couple more days, maybe Poles throws a lesser offer his way, but still a respectable deal. Let’s say Chicago could get him for around $14 million per season on a 3-year deal. If that was the case, it’s a no-brainer. He’d likely meet the Bears somewhere in the middle, but getting him to Chicago, period, would be a win.

Smith is one of the best pass-blocking tackles in all of football, but he struggles a bit in the run game. Protecting Fields should be top priority, though, and getting someone like Smith in a Bears uniform would be a giant victory for Poles and this front office.