Thread: Report: Chicago Bears eyeing Jake Long, Phil Loadholt

Report: Chicago Bears eyeing Jake Long, Phil Loadholt
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By Marc Sessler
Around the League Writer
Published: March 12, 2013 at 11:03 a.m. Updated: March 12, 2013 at 11:26 a.m.

After allowing an outrageous 149 sacks over the past three seasons, the Chicago Bears are looking to strengthen an offensive line that's let Jay Cutler down one too many times.

A pair of proven tackles -- Jake Long and Phil Loadholt -- are reportedly on the team's radar as Tuesday's start to free agency approaches.


Tom Pelissero of ESPN Twin Cities reports the Bears have legitimate interest in Loadholt and have dangled more attractive contract numbers than the right tackle's current employer, the Minnesota Vikings. Pelissero reports the Vikings are actively working to clear cap space, but cap space (with Percy Harvin out the door) isn't the sticking point with Loadholt. Minnesota reportedly has no interest in entering a bidding war for the right tackle and won't go above $5 million annually for his services.

Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times cited a source to confirm Chicago's interest in Loadholt is legitimate, and the team isn't stopping there.

NFL.com's very own Daniel Jeremiah has heard Long's name linked repeatedly to the Bears and St. Louis Rams. Jensen confirmed the same. Undoubtedly, these whispers are music to the ears of Bears fans everywhere.

New coach Marc Trestman's offense will hinge on productive play from Cutler, a quarterback who has been abused in Chicago. The line has been a disaster for years, but there's legitimate heat around the team's desire to upgrade the position group, a move that's long overdue.

Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.

Report: Chicago Bears eyeing Jake Long, Phil Loadholt - NFL.com