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Bears free agency preview: OT
What do ya think?
LINK to the article Bears free agency preview: OT By Jeff Dickerson | ESPNChicago.com
Doug Benc/Getty Images
If he becomes available, would Jake Long be worth the risk for the Bears?
Above average NFL offensive tackles are hard to find, which is why teams will generally re-sign or tag those players to prevent losing them in free agency. But it can happen. The Chicago Bearswere able to dramatically upgrade their offensive line prior to the 2004 and 2005 seasons when the club inked free agent tackles John Tait and Fred Miller. With offensive tackle an obvious need for the Bears heading into 2013, here is a look at 10 of the top projected free agents at the position, in no particular order: " Ryan Clady, Denver Broncos: Bears quarterback Jay Cutler chuckled when a reporter brought up Clady near the end of the regular season. Without question, Cutler would be thrilled if the Bears could find a way to sign his old Broncos teammate Clady, easily one of the best offensive tackles in the game. The 26-year-old, three-time Pro Bowl left tackle rejected a five-year, $50 million deal from the Broncos last summer that included a reported $28 million in guarantees. If the two parties can't reach an agreement this time around, Denver could always apply the franchise tag. But if Clady ever reaches the open market, the Bears, or any other NFL team in need of help at OT, would be foolish not to pursue to him, even though it will cost a ton of money.
" Sebastian Vollmer, New England Patriots: There wasn't a lot of buzz surrounding Vollmer coming out of the University of Houston in 2009, but that didn't stop the Patriots from selecting the 6-foot-8 tackle in the second round, despite the fact he wasn't even invited to the NFL Combine. Vollmer has steadily grown into one of the best right tackles in the game. However, Vollmer has dealt with back issues, which is always a concern when it comes to investing a sizeable amount of money into a player in free agency.
" Will Beatty, New York Giants: Beatty dealt with a couple of injuries his first few years in the league, but the former second-round pick is now considered a solid left tackle with experience playing on both the left and right side of the line. About to turn 28-years old in March, Beatty is sure to generate plenty of interest in free agency if he decides to leave the Giants.
" Branden Albert, Kansas City Chiefs: Albert has stated publicly he wants to stay in Kansas City, but a lot can happen whenever an NFL franchise goes through a regime change like the one taking place in the Chiefs organization. If Albert is available, the Bears should have all the necessary information to make an informed decision given the fact general manager Phil Emery spent three years in the Kansas City with Albert.
" Gosder Cherilus, Detroit Lions: Although he's been a polarizing figure over the years in Detroit, Cherilus started 71 games for the Lions, missing just five games in five years due to injuries. Detroit is reportedly considering letting Cherilus depart via free agency, and if that happens, he probably won't be out of work for very long.
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Fernando Medina/US PRESSWIRESam Baker's back problems might be a concern for teams if he hits the free agent market.
" Sam Baker, Atlanta Falcons: Another tackle drafted in the first round in 2008 after the Bears selected Chris Williams at No. 14 overall (Albert, Cherilus), Baker lost his starting job in 2011 due to a bad back but rebounded nicely this year for the NFC runner-up Falcons. Baker's back problems are a concern, but he would probably still be viewed as an upgrade over what the Bears currently have on their roster.
" Andre Smith, Cincinnati Bengals: Smith got off to a rough start in the NFL due to a lengthy holdout, weight problems and a bad shirtless photo taken while he ran the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, but the right tackle has settled down (with the exception of being arrested this month for carrying a loaded weapon in an airport) the last two years to become the player the Bengals envisioned they were getting with the No. 6 overall pick of the 2009 NFL draft. Smith is one of the better right tackles in the game and could get the franchise tag, all jokes aside.
" Phil Loadholt, Minnesota Vikings: Loadholt has started 63 of 64 regular season games for the Vikings since they grabbed him in the second round of the 2009 draft. A monster at 6-8, 347 pounds, Loadholt has improved as a pass protector while using his massive frame to open up holes for Adrian Peterson in the ground game. Peterson said publicly he plans to speak with the Vikings about re-signing Loadholt. That's a pretty impressive endorsement.
" Jake Long, Miami Dolphins: Long used to be considered the best left tackle in the league, but the reviews have not been very positive lately. Long's 2012 season ended in December due to a triceps injury. It's unclear what Miami intends to do with Long, who is probably expecting another lucrative contract. But is he worth it?
" Jermon Bushrod, New Orleans Saints: Maybe new Bears offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Aaron Kromer will push for the Bears to sign the 28-year-old left tackle. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Bushrod suffered from occasional false-start issues, but he is still considered a quality tackle who spent the last several years protecting the blindside of Saints quarterbackDrew Brees. An important job to say the least.
Last edited by JustAnotherBearsFan99; 01-25-2013 at 07:40 PM.
Trestman - Kromer - Tucker - DeCamillis
I'm looking forward to seeing these guys coach. Hope they're good.
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Originally Posted by
JustAnotherBearsFan99 
What do ya think?
The bottom two are really our only realistic options and though both have their certain question marks coming into FA, I'll take either and their troubles over Webb. I really hope we don't have to break the bank to land our guy, but it's as much of a "must" as anything for us and that means it will cost us. I just don't want to go through the growing pains of a rookie LT right now considering our window.
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Junior Member
Jake Long could be a steal.
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High Fives / Like - 1 BEAR DOWN!, 0 Dislikes
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I'm starting to think so. If they could get him without having to pay too much if cut qfter a season, that'd be great. I know everyone likes to rag on Webb, but the LT spot doesn't need changed as badly as LG, C or RG(Louis is currently looking very iffy for next year). If Long were to get hurt and Webb came back in, that wouldn't hurt us as badly as any other spot, even with the starters replaced.
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I think it's a pipe dream to think Jake Long will be a steal. His last contract averaged $11.5 mil per year and I'm sure he and his agent won't be looking for less.
With Kromer now in Chicago I think Bushrod may be a very viable prospect. Kromer seems to have been well liked and respected by the NO lineman and JA took at shot at him two years ago. He's probably at the top of the list.
I don't believe Albert is out of the question either despite his professed desire to stay and KC. The Chiefs have the first pick in the draft and the way things are stack up their may be two or three LTs go in the top ten. Anyone of those guys will be lest costly than re-signing Albert.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap. 
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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Originally Posted by
soulman I think it's a pipe dream to think Jake Long will be a steal. His last contract averaged $11.5 mil per year and I'm sure he and his agent won't be looking for less.
With Kromer now in Chicago I think Bushrod may be a very viable prospect. Kromer seems to have been well liked and respected by the NO lineman and JA took at shot at him two years ago. He's probably at the top of the list.
I don't believe Albert is out of the question either despite his professed desire to stay and KC. The Chiefs have the first pick in the draft and the way things are stack up their may be two or three LTs go in the top ten. Anyone of those guys will be lest costly than re-signing Albert.
It was a pre-lockout first overall pick contract, the likes of which are rarely seen in this league by even elite players. On top of that, he is coming off of two consecutive injury shortened seasons including 2012 where he gave up 7 sacks in <12 games. I know he only missed six games due to injury, but considering they both happened in December combined with a back ailment -- it's more enough to question his durability.
As for KC, I can see them letting him walk too, but the back injury combined with previous huge inconsistency and downright mediocrity scares me. I'd still take him over the alternative, but the cost could suck. He would look awfully nice next to a powerpig like Fluker at LG.
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I said it in another thread how SAN FRANSISCO built their OL with the 2010 draft.
(Look up Frisco's 2010 draft... Anthony Davis & Mike Lupati, Rounds 1 & 1.)
MIKE fuckin SINGLETARY was the HC.
Give us Lane Johnson and Barret Jones.
We are as good as Frisco if anybody at Halas Hall would just give us a chance in the draft.
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Originally Posted by
lklrlolnlilklsox It was a pre-lockout first overall pick contract, the likes of which are rarely seen in this league by even elite players. On top of that, he is coming off of two consecutive injury shortened seasons including 2012 where he gave up 7 sacks in <12 games. I know he only missed six games due to injury, but considering they both happened in December combined with a back ailment -- it's more enough to question his durability.
As for KC, I can see them letting him walk too, but the back injury combined with previous huge inconsistency and downright mediocrity scares me. I'd still take him over the alternative, but the cost could suck. He would look awfully nice next to a powerpig like Fluker at LG.
KC does he have that advantage of moving Albert to OG where he may actually be a better player but you just know he's looking to LT money. Same with Long sox. I know it was a pre-lockout deal but how many guys his age do you know who are willing to bargain their price down.
I'm thinking we can look at handing out a 5 year deal in the $35-$40 mil range for the right guy. I think Albert might be had for that and I'm almost certain Bushrod could but I think Long would just sniff and walk away. He'll still be looking for a $50 mil deal if he can get it and somebody will pay it.
Ever since we hired Kromer I've had Bushrod slotted at the top of the wish list. His last deal got him right at $4.9 mil per year so a move into the $7-$8mil range should be attractive and I'm not sure NO can or will stretch for that. One think for certain is that I don't want to play the waiting game with a rookie LT. Even if we hit this time I can't see a day one starter with the #20 pick.
Last edited by soulman; 01-26-2013 at 05:16 AM.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap. Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
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BUILD A TEAM ... DRAFT THE TRENCHES ... NOTHING and I mean NOTHING else has worked.
Otherwise we'd be in a bunncha SUPERBOWLS ... right motherfuckers ?
On the other hand ... theres only X amount of smoke we can just keep blowing up each others asses.
Going off on yet another losing season in 2013.
Hey ... BLOW ME.
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The only thing I don't like about Bushrod is the fact that he's gonna be 29 years old when the season starts. When rebuilding the oline should look after younger guys imo.
Last edited by little bear; 01-26-2013 at 05:46 AM.
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