The Chicago Bears weren’t able to land a veteran right tackle for their offense during the main wave of free agency. It was the one thing that constituted a failure of GM Ryan Poles. Mike McGlinchey signed in Denver. Jawaan Taylor went to Kansas City. Kaleb McGary stayed in Atlanta. With March almost over, most already believe the team has no choice but to address the problem in the upcoming NFL draft. However, the hopes to avoid this might not be dead yet. It depends on how much of a risk they’re willing to take.
Changes are happening over in Cincinnati with the Bengals. They already replaced left tackle Jonah Williams with free agent Orlando Brown. Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic believes there is a possibility the team also unloads veteran right tackle La’El Collins after his up-and-down 2022 season that ended with a knee injury.
He’ll turn 30 just before camp begins. Cutting him would save $6.1 million against this year’s cap with $3.3 million in dead money. If the cut came with a post-June 1 designation, it would save $7.7 million and cost just $1.7 million in dead money.
Along with performance, his age, injuries and finances make him a prime candidate to be let go.
Age and health are big factors, but Collins isn’t too far removed from playing excellent football. He allowed only 20 QB pressures in 2021 with Dallas. His size, violent temperament, and athleticism would fit in the Bears’ system. He isn’t exactly in Poles’ comfort zone, but he’d be a more worthwhile gamble than anybody on the market.
The Chicago Bears have every reason to give Collins a shot.
Of course, this depends on his recovery from knee surgery and whether the Bengals release him. The latter hasn’t happened yet. Cincinnati isn’t hurting for cap space. Maybe they decide to give him another shot. Or they may wait until after the draft to see if they can land an alternative. The Bears have every reason to monitor that situation carefully. If he comes loose and his knee recovery is on schedule, he could be starting for them in September, allowing Poles to focus his draft efforts elsewhere.
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Barring that, the options at right tackle are limited. Cameron Fleming and Isaiah Wynn might be the two best available. Wynn struggled at the position last season in New England. Fleming is a journeyman who has been mostly average during his career. Relying on either of them to man the position would be just as dangerous as a highly-drafted rookie. The Chicago Bears must weigh their options carefully. Collins becoming available in the next few weeks could change plans.
I would draft GhostTomahawk 34 in the 1rst round to be our village idiot.
Thomas Gina is a real piece of work and not in a positive way.
Dont waste your time, draft either the kid from Ohio State or Georgia. Long term solutions with possible Pro Bowl implications. No Brainer
@ThomasGena…🤣🤣🤣 you called Leatherwood a soon to be Walmart greeter
That’s funny AF.
The Bears aren’t going to trade for Collins. Thanks for the 411 Erik Lambert. I got to give you credit you are on top of every possible upgrade but this is just that only possible and this one would be a disappointment. I’ve had enough of Poles making half ass moves on the offensive and defensive line. NONE have worked. He is supposed to be an OL expert and he brought in what 9 busts and one guy with a future with the team with only Braxton working out. That is pretty bad! BOTTOM LINE for the tackle spot he… Read more »