When he took over, Ryan Poles vowed his goal was to fix the Chicago Bears offensive line. Nobody can say he didn’t make an effort. He signed Lucas Patrick to become their new center, made a strong run at Bills restricted free agent Ryan Bates before he re-signed in Buffalo, and then selected four linemen in the draft. He may have wanted to throw more money and picks at the problem, but the situation didn’t warrant it.
That doesn’t mean Poles is done making moves. He promised that his job is never over. If the right situation presents itself, he will continue to make tweaks wherever possible. That includes monitoring the trade market for potential options. One could be developing with his old team, the Kansas City Chiefs. According to Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report, right tackle Lucas Niang may find himself the odd man out in a suddenly crowded situation.
“The Chiefs took Lucas Niang in the third round of the 2020 draft. After opting out of his rookie campaign because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Niang started nine games last year. In January, he suffered a torn patellar tendon. Andrew Wylie filled in admirably.
“The other thing that Andrew brings—really— is an energy, a toughness,” offensive line coach Andy Heck told reporters in January. “He’s a tough kid that loves football. He’s absolutely essential to what we’re doing here. Those kinds of unheralded guys that do the dirty work like that? That’s what it’s all about.”
With Wylie on the roster, Geron Christian’s free-agent signing and Darian Kinnard’s selection in this year’s fifth round, Kansas City can move Niang elsewhere.”
Daily Dose! Sound up and eyes on RT Lucas Niang (#67) during this Empty Protection breakdown as he shows off awareness, decision making, and change of direction on this rep. More impressive stuff from him! #MitchsDailyDose #Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/or9USn2Mds
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) September 25, 2021
Daily Dose! Sound up and eyes on RG Trey Smith and RT Lucas Niang. When it's 3rd and Short, the Chiefs are going to find a way to run behind Trey and that right side. The Chiefs almost score on 3rd and inches from the 5 yard line! #MitchsDailyDose #Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/E6HwKhsm4s
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) October 11, 2021
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Ryan Poles would gain flexibility with Niang.
It really is unfortunate for Niang. He patiently waited his turn after sitting all of 2020. There were some early stumbles in 2021, but it felt like he was settling in by the end of the year, allowing just five total pressures in the last two games he started and finished. He also showcased his power and nastiness as a run blocker. Poles wants more guys like that, and he helped the Chiefs draft him. He knows what the former 3rd round pick can do.
If Kansas City is prepared to go in a different direction, then the Bears should make a phone call. The price to secure Niang wouldn’t be expensive. He has two years left on his rookie contract, and he should be healthy before the season starts. If Ryan Poles isn’t sure about the tackle situation, then trading a late-round pick for the 23-year-old might make sense. Even a pick swap could work like the Bears’ 4th rounder in 2023 for the Chiefs’ 5th rounder.
Something to monitor in the coming weeks.
The only makes sense IF the Bears think that RT cannot be anchored with current players in Borom and Jenkins ! IF one can hold the position well then the other becomes the RG ? Assuming then also LT is held by Jones ??