The Chicago Bears are just days away from beginning their 2021 training camp. One would think if they have a last-second move to make regarding their roster, they’d do it. They certainly tried already with Morgan Moses but that fell through. They were also reportedly interested in cornerback Steven Nelson but he continues to drag his feet. Since then, any move they may or may not have in mind has been completely silent.
That hasn’t stopped some analysts from connecting dots from time to time. One name that is persistent in regards to the Bears is former All-Pro tackle Mitchell Schwartz. The Kansas City Chiefs were forced to part ways with him this offseason. In large part due to salary cap issues but also concerns about his age and recent health problems. However, when healthy he was still among the best right tackles in football. Chris Roling of Bleacher Report thinks him going to Chicago is too easy of a sell.
“Schwartz, now 32, is still one of the league’s best right tackles if he’s recovered from some of the back issues that derailed his season last year, including the Super Bowl push. He posted a 74.7 Pro Football Focus grade last year over a limited 357 snaps but was more his usual self in 2019 with an 84.0 grade, putting him in starter range, while allowing zero sacks over 1,046 snaps.
The Chicago Bears might want to consider reaching out, as two of the team’s options on the right edge—Elijah Wilkinson (52.5 PFF grade last year) and Germain Ifedi (65.0)—aren’t the most encouraging.”
It remains a fair point.
Right now the Bears don’t appear to have the best options at either tackle spot. Teven Jenkins is a rookie. Ifedi was serviceable last season when shifting there from right guard. However, his track record in Seattle at right tackle proves he was never much better than that. Particularly in pass protection. Considering how much the team has invested in Justin Fields being a success? One would think they’d prefer more security.
Schwartz would certainly represent more credibility. He’s protected a high-profile 1st round pick before in Patrick Mahomes. That worked out pretty well. At the same time, one can also understand the hesitation. Not only is the tackle aging and suffering back problems, but there were also rumors he might be weighing retirement. It isn’t hard to understand why. He’s got his money and his ring. What is left to play for?
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Chicago Bears can’t afford to wait forever
They have a season to prepare for. If Schwartz is healthy, would he be an upgrade over Ifeid? Yes. However, there is also the factor of the price tag. Even at 32-years old, it’s a safe assumption he’ll demand something considerable for his services after the success he had in Kansas City. The Bears are reported to only have $5 million in salary cap space. So that doesn’t leave them with much wiggle room for a deal. While Schwartz would be a quality short-term addition to the team, the odds seem against a deal coming together.
Too many factors are working against it.
- Age
- Health
- Money
- Timing
The Chicago Bears might rather see what they have in the younger guys. Ifedi is 26-years old and may blossom with further coaching from Juan Castillo. They also really like 5th round rookie Larry Borom. If one of them ascends to a quality level, it makes far more sense to move forward with them.
Besides, there is a chance Schwartz wouldn’t even play with Fields. Not if head coach Matt Nagy has his way and is able to start Andy Dalton most of this season.
