Chicago Bears Still Have Left Tackle Alternative Worth Considering

The Chicago Bears didn't seem totally set with their current offensive line configuration. Despite insisting they like the idea of rookie Teven Jenkins at left tackle, their actions over the past two weeks say otherwise. That was made clear when they made a concerted push to sign veteran Morgan Moses, recently cut by the Washington Football Team. His presence would've been most welcome after the departure of Charles Leno Jr. Sadly there was one problem. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Bears were hoping he'd consider shifting over from his original position of right tackle to play the left side. Moses reportedly balked at that idea. While he liked the Bears' offer, the New York Jets aimed to keep him on the right side. That is what ultimately led to his decision.

While unfortunate for the Bears, it isn't necessarily bad.

The team has done nothing to indicate they have zero faith in Jenkins. They wouldn't have cut Leno in the first place if that were true. However, they do seem intent on finding him some veteran competition. Perhaps somebody who can serve as the Andy Dalton to his Justin Fields. Somebody who can hold the job over until he is ready to play. If that is the case, there is one name out there worth considering. Russell Okung. The former Pro Bowler has had a bit of a journeyman run during the latter half of his career. He most recently spent the 2020 season in Carolina where he famously wanted most of his contract paid in Bitcoin. Weird finances aside, the veteran showed he could still play good football. So why isn't he signed yet? Teams likely aren't sure they can trust him from a health perspective. Okung hasn't played a full year since 2018.

Chicago Bears should consider Okung if he's willing

It isn't entirely clear if he's aiming to play this season. There have been no retirement whispers so one would think this is the case. If so, the price to sign him likely won't be too high after missing a combined 19 games the past two years. This might actually be fine for a team like the Bears. They can start Okung immediately and let him play for as long as he can. If he gets hurt? No big deal. They can slide Jenkins in from that point forward. This at least gives the team an actual full-time left tackle on the roster. Something they don't really have at the moment. Chicago Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo is no stranger to challenges. If he's forced to roll with Jenkins? He'll do it and don't be surprised if the kid does pretty well. Signing Okung though would ease the pressure on everybody.

If he plays well? Great. If he gets hurt after five or six games? Fine.

That will have been over a month of extra time for Jenkins to prepare. A win-win situation. It comes down to what Okung wants. Does he want to play and if so how much money is he seeking? Odds are we'll have an answer to both questions before training camp arrives on July 31st.