The Chicago Bears knew coming into this offseason that they were going to have to make some tough roster choices. With the salary cap falling to at least $180 million, it puts them at least $7 million in the red. That means having to cut certain players who have been strong contributors for them in the past but may not be worth their price tags anymore. They got started with veteran cornerback Buster Skrine last week. Now right tackle Bobby Massie will join him.
The end of Massie’s run in Chicago is unfortunate. Last season he seemed to play well but suffered a knee injury in early November. It ended up knocking him out for the rest of the season. That marked the second time in two years he’d missed multiple games with health issues. With his 32nd birthday coming this August, the Bears felt it was the right time to move on. They will gain $5.4 million with this move.
Massie was never a star of the Bears offense, but he proved himself to be a reliable starting tackle for them when healthy. Replacing him is going to be a challenge for GM Ryan Pace. Who are some names they could look to? Here are five to keep in mind.
The #Bears are not likely to exercise the option on OT Bobby Massie’s contract, another casualty of the cap crunch, source said. He’ll be a FA, saving them more than $5M vs. the cap & putting a starting caliber tackle on the market in a year when OTs are more valuable than ever.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2021
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Who can fill the Bobby Massie void at right tackle?
Germain Ifedi
Sometimes the easiest solution is the one you already know. When Massie went down last season, the Bears tried to plug both Rashaad Coward and Jason Spriggs into his spot. Both failed to lock it down. So in a fit of desperation, they moved Ifedi out from right guard to fill it. He’d spent the previous few seasons as the right tackle in Seattle. So he had experience. While it wasn’t top-tier stuff, Ifedi deserves credit for steadying the position, allowing the offense to function so much better down the stretch. He’s still under 30 and won’t cost a lot to retain.
Daryl Williams
One of the more overlooked tackles in the league for the past few years. Williams was a bit part of helping Josh Allen ascend at quarterback in Buffalo. He’s a solid run blocker and reliable in pass protection. At 29-years old he isn’t over the hill either. He would make for an instant plug-and-play guy who can keep that right tackle spot situated. Given where things stand? It seems like he would like to stay in Buffalo but even if he were to hit the open market, it may cost a bit to get him. Chicago would have to be willing to pay.
Ricky Wagner
Recent buzz hinted that the veteran right tackle might be considering retirement. That hasn’t become official yet, so he is still somebody the Bears can consider. Wagner was quite effective for the Green Bay Packers last season, especially in pass protection. The Bears were actually interested in him a few years ago before he decided to sign in Detroit. One has to think they might still have a good idea of what he can offer the team. Even if it’s just on a one-year deal. As a bridge option, he would be perfect.
I've been enjoying studying Teven Jenkins' tape.
Backside cut-off to the 2nd level
Angle-drive
Snatch/trap
Jump set
Torque & finish pic.twitter.com/aqMKHPvz0C— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) January 22, 2021
Teven Jenkins
If free agency isn’t the way they go, can the Bears find their Bobby Massie replacement in the draft? Yes. It appears 2021 is a particularly good year for tackles coming out of college. One that has been mocked to Chicago multiple times already is Jenkins. He earned a reputation at Oklahoma State for being big, powerful, and nasty. His technique in pass protection was solid and he could be a bit of a bully when run blocking. It certainly sounds like he’s exactly the type of guy Chicago would embrace. Can they look past the concerns about his shorter arms? They should.
Jackson Carman
Like Jenkins, the big Clemson tackle Jackson Carman has built his reputation on size, power, and strong technique. Unlike Jenkins? He has extensive experience when it comes to protecting valuable quarterbacks. He did it for Trevor Lawrence for three seasons. The guy isn’t the best athlete in the world but he’s mobile enough to handle himself against most edge rushers and will be a major benefit in the running game. Nevermind his reputation for being a leader and a tone-setter up front.
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