For the first time in what feels like forever, the Chicago Bears are close to securing one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. That much was proven last season. Not only did the unit allow just 28 sacks, they also blocked for the second-leading rusher in the league Jordan Howard. Everything is pointed up in the trenches on offense for them.
They have two Pro Bowl guards on the interior with Josh Sitton and Kyle Long. Joining them is center Cody Whitehair, the surprise first-year sensation who took home All-Rookie honors. Pretty amazing when one considers he'd never played center once in college. This trio forms the bedrock of the success the team had offensively last season.
It was felt that the Bears were unlikely to make any significant changes to their current lineup. Likely they would instead focus on acquiring a quarterback and more weapons for whoever it ends up being to use. However, recent rumors have revealed GM Ryan Pace isn't ready to rest on his laurels.
Most fans have focused on the two big free agent names the Bears are reportedly targeting in QB Mike Glennon and cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Not surprising given both represent two of the biggest positions of need on the team. However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune also revealed another name, one that came as a slight shock.
"Pace and Fox both praised the Bears offensive line Wednesday, so it's interesting that multiple sources indicated they might be in play for Ravens right tackle Ricky Wagner."Indeed this is a surprise. After all Pace just got done signing Bobby Massie last year to a new contract. After a rough start in 2016 it seemed like the veteran tackle settled himself down. So why would the Bears GM target Wagner? Two reasons. Massie's contract was constructed to where all the guaranteed money would be finished by his second year, meaning the team could cut him with minimal consequence. Doing so would net them just over $4 million in cap space. Also, Wagner is better. The 27-year old allowed just three sacks in 2016 and has missed only two games in three years. He's routinely ranked as one of the top right tackles in the league. According to Pro Football Focus he earned an 84.5 overall grade for last season, making him the 18th best tackle. Massie was a distant 43rd with a 69.9 grade. The true allure of Wagner is how complete he is. NFL analyst Andy Benoit used some helpful video clips to explain.
The idea of such a quality edge protector playing on the same front as Sitton, Whitehair and Long is beyond exciting. Of course the competition to get him will be fierce and likely expensive. Initial estimates put his value around $7 million per year, but odds are that will spike to around $10 million. Luckily the Bears can handle that problem. They already have over $51 million in cap space according to overthecap.com. If they do as expected and cut/trade Jay Cutler, Lamarr Houston, and Eddie Royal that would jump to over $72 million. On top of that they could also cut Massie for an additional $4 million in space. Given the importance of blocking in the NFL, this is the kind of investment that is worth making for the team. Especially as they prepare to break in a new quarterback.
