The Chicago Bears have a ton of question marks at the offensive tackle position. Three of their top guys in Teven Jenkins (back), Germain Ifedi (hip), and Larry Borom (concussion) are out with injuries. The first two names have yet to practice at all in training camp. People were wondering why the team was taking so long to go out and find help. At last it appears GM Ryan Pace made the move. Chicago came to terms with longtime veteran Jason Peters.
The six-time All-Pro was a huge part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ success from 2009 to 2020. At one point he was among the best offensive linemen in football. At age 39, one can safely say he’s not quite that player anymore. However, he’s proven even last year that when he is healthy he can still be a quality blocker on the blindside. Something the Bears obviously need. His familiarity with this type of offensive system probably helped facilitate the deal coming together.
@JP_bodyguard has agreed to terms with @ChicagoBears. @AdamSchefter @MikeGarafolo @diannaESPN @JFowlerESPN @mortreport #NFLPreseason pic.twitter.com/T34MkCzEjy
— Elite Loyalty Sports (@ELSportsLLC) August 14, 2021
Passing Off A Crasher, with Jason Peters. pic.twitter.com/g14S0mNtww
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) September 10, 2019
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One of my favorite plays in football…
the Wham play.
Extremely well-executed from the #Eagles here against the #Packers. Dallas Goedert and Jason Peters get outstanding blocks, Sanders trusts it and flies through the crease, creating an X-play in the run game #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/XmW7UJf6vc
— Fran Duffy (@EaglesXOs) September 27, 2019
Now a lot of people will panic at this move.
That must mean Jenkins’ back issue is worse than expected, right? Right!? That could be. The point is that by signing Peters, it gives them much-needed breathing space. By adding him to the mix, it allows them to do something critical. Not rush Jenkins’ return. The worst thing they can do is get him back quickly only to see him aggravate the injury further. This will enable them to wait until he’s 100%.
Peters has ties to Bears offensive line coach Juan Castillo. They worked together in 2009 and 2010 when he held the same job with the Eagles. One also has to wonder if Doug Pederson played a role in this. He was head coach in Philadelphia since 2016 and has strong ties to Peters as well. Pederson was a guest at Bears practice this past week.
Jason Peters is a temporary solution
Nothing more. As a one-year flier, this is a smart move by the Bears. If they can get even 75% of the player he once was? Then they’ll have much-needed stability at left tackle. Then it becomes a matter of finding somebody to play the right side. Recent rumors suggest Ifedi is close to a return. That is welcome news if true. It comes down to whether the veteran can stay on the field.
Last season, Jason Peters missed eight games due to a foot issue. Upon his return, he seemed to settle down and play well. No doubt the Bears are hoping that is the player they’re getting. On top of this, his presence will be a huge benefit to the younger tackles on the roster. Jenkins and Borom in particular. Peters is widely respected for his leadership and ability to teach and influence younger guys.
This would be most welcome.
Peters has about three weeks to get himself ready. The Bears no doubt feel he is in good enough physical condition or they wouldn’t have signed him. The man himself said he still feels he has more left in the tank. No doubt he’s hoping to go out on a higher note than he did last season. Getting a chance to protect Justin Fields might be fun.
