The Chicago Bears did what they could to improve this offseason. All things considered, GM Ryan Pace did a fine job. He beefed up the defense with Robert Quinn and improved the secondary depth. He found competition for Mitch Trubisky in Nick Foles and revamped the tight end position with veteran Jimmy Graham and promising rookie Cole Kmet. On top of that, he added much-needed speed at wide receiver with Ted Ginn Jr. and Darnell Mooney.
That said, his decisions were far from perfect. Probably the most concerning was the surprising status quo he kept on the offensive line. While continuity is often ideal for a front five, that changes when certain members look like liabilities. Pace is not dumb, but he can sometimes be a little too patient with certain players. See Leonard Floyd for one example.
One name that got a pass this offseason that probably shouldn’t have was left tackle Charles Leno. Sure he had a nice 2018, but history shows that year was the exception. Not the rule. His 2019 run was much closer to who he is. Which is average at best. Not only did he allow seven sacks, tied for most of his career. He also committed 12 penalties, second-highest of his career.
The Bears had a chance to pursue an upgrade. Somebody who could better anchor the line. Instead, he remains in place. Don’t be surprised if the team ends up regretting that.
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Leno isn’t bad for the Chicago Bears. He’s just not good enough
This is not to say Leno is the worst in the league. He isn’t. The problem is when better options are available, it’s the responsibility of the team to consider them. The Bears have had that for months and remain deafeningly silent. It’s not like money was a huge obstacle either. They could’ve cut Leno outright for $2.8 million or designated him a June 1st cut for $8 million.
Since free agency began names like Trent Williams, Russell Okung, Jason Peters, and Cordy Glenn were available in some form. The latter two are still out there. All can be considered upgrades to Leno. Sure health is a question mark with them but this team is gunning for a championship. Risks are required in such pursuits. Sticking with Leno is playing it safe. The equivalent of standing on 16 in Black Jack. It might win the hand, but no respected gambler would ever do that.
For all the aggression Pace shows in upgrading other positions, his lack thereof on the second-most important position on offense could haunt him.