In NFL free agency, the Chicago Bears are one of three probable destinations for a Pro Bowl left tackle.
In NFL Free Agency, the Chicago Bears Are One of Three Probable Destinations for a Pro Bowl Left Tackle
As the NFL free agency period approaches, teams across the league are preparing for what could be one of the most exciting offseasons in recent memory. For the Chicago Bears, a team in the midst of a rebuild with significant salary cap space, the opportunity to sign key players could be the catalyst for a dramatic transformation. One area of particular focus for the Bears is the offensive line, specifically the left tackle position.
In 2023, Chicago Bears’ general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus made it clear that improving the offensive line would be one of the top priorities for the franchise, especially in order to better support quarterback Justin Fields. The Bears have a unique opportunity to bring in a veteran to solidify the left tackle spot, which has been a weakness in recent years. This is where the possible acquisition of a Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle could have a profound impact on the future of the team.
This offseason, one such Pro Bowl left tackle could be available on the free-agent market, and the Chicago Bears are widely considered to be one of the three most probable landing spots for him. This article will take an in-depth look at the potential significance of this player’s availability, the Bears’ pressing need for a left tackle, and why Chicago stands out as a likely destination for this star player.
The Importance of the Left Tackle Position
The left tackle position is one of the most important in football, particularly for teams with young, developing quarterbacks. The left tackle’s primary responsibility is to protect the quarterback’s blindside, ensuring that he is not vulnerable to hits from defenders coming off the edge. In the modern NFL, with pass-rushing specialists often coming from the left side, a top-tier left tackle is crucial for a quarterback’s success and safety.
For a young quarterback like Justin Fields, who thrives with the ball in his hands and needs the protection to execute his dynamic skill set, a reliable left tackle is essential. Fields, known for his ability to scramble and make plays with his legs, often finds himself under pressure due to a porous offensive line. A Pro Bowl-caliber left tackle could help change that dynamic, giving Fields more time to read the field, process information, and make plays downfield.
With the Bears investing in Fields as their franchise quarterback, ensuring that he has the protection to stay upright and develop into a top-tier signal-caller is one of the most important steps in the team’s rebuild.
The Bears’ Current Offensive Line Situation
In 2022, the Chicago Bears struggled to establish a consistent offensive line, particularly at the left tackle position. Teven Jenkins, who showed flashes of promise at guard, was shifted to right tackle, leaving the left tackle spot to a mix of players who failed to consistently protect Fields. Larry Borom, who played at left tackle for a portion of the season, was inconsistent in both run-blocking and pass protection. This inconsistency at the tackle positions forced Fields to work under constant duress, limiting the effectiveness of the Bears’ offense.
In the 2023 offseason, the Bears are in a prime position to make changes. The team has a considerable amount of salary cap space, and general manager Ryan Poles is expected to target offensive line upgrades, particularly at left tackle. The addition of a proven, top-tier left tackle would be a game-changer for Fields and the entire Bears offense.
The Pro Bowl Left Tackle on the Market
As of now, there are several left tackles in the NFL who could hit the open market during free agency, and one of them is Orlando Brown Jr., the highly-coveted Pro Bowl left tackle formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs. Brown has been one of the best and most durable left tackles in the league for several years. Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing in at 340 pounds, Brown has the physical attributes to dominate defenders, and his combination of size, strength, and agility makes him one of the premier pass blockers in the NFL.
Brown, who has been to multiple Pro Bowls, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the table. He spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens before being traded to the Chiefs in 2021, where he helped anchor one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. In Kansas City, Brown protected Patrick Mahomes’ blindside during their Super Bowl victory in 2022, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level in big games.
What makes Brown an even more attractive target for teams like the Bears is his pedigree. He is a proven commodity in the NFL, one of the most reliable and skilled left tackles available in free agency. His experience in high-pressure situations and his ability to neutralize top-tier pass rushers would be invaluable for a young quarterback like Fields, who needs stability and protection to elevate his game.
Why the Chicago Bears Are a Likely Destination for Brown
As one of the few teams with significant salary cap space, the Chicago Bears have the flexibility to make a splash in free agency, and Orlando Brown Jr. is a prime candidate to benefit from that flexibility. However, what makes Chicago one of the most likely landing spots for Brown goes beyond just financial flexibility. There are several factors that align in favor of the Bears bringing in this Pro Bowl tackle.
1. A Young Quarterback Who Needs Protection
The most obvious reason the Bears are a potential landing spot for Orlando Brown is the team’s need for help on the offensive line, particularly at left tackle. As previously mentioned, protecting Justin Fields is crucial to his development and the success of the Bears’ offense. Fields’ skill set is predicated on his ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket, but to do that effectively, he needs time to survey the field. Orlando Brown could provide that protection.
Fields’ mobility and playmaking ability are among his strongest attributes, but to become a consistently productive passer, he needs a sturdy pocket to operate from. Brown would not only give Fields more time to throw but would also help open up running lanes for David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert, improving the team’s overall offensive balance.
2. Ryan Poles’ Background and Relationship with Brown
Ryan Poles, the Bears’ general manager, has deep ties to the Kansas City Chiefs organization, where he worked for over a decade, most recently as the director of player personnel. During his time with the Chiefs, Poles was part of the team that helped secure a trade for Orlando Brown in 2021. Given this connection, Poles is familiar with Brown’s character, work ethic, and talent on the field. He understands that Brown is not just a top-tier player but also a leader who can make an impact both in the locker room and on the field.
Poles’ familiarity with Brown could play a key role in making the Bears a top contender for the Pro Bowl tackle’s services. With the Bears in need of a proven left tackle, Poles may be able to leverage his knowledge of Brown’s value and offer him a competitive contract that aligns with the Bears’ vision for their rebuild.
3. Financial Flexibility and Cap Space
The Chicago Bears are one of the few teams with substantial salary cap space heading into the 2023 offseason. With the Bears projected to have over $100 million in cap room, Poles is in an enviable position to pursue top-tier free agents. Signing Orlando Brown would be a significant investment, but with the Bears in a rebuild, using that cap space to shore up the offensive line and ensure Fields’ protection makes perfect sense.
Additionally, the Bears have the flexibility to make a long-term commitment to Brown, offering him a deal that aligns with both his value and their vision for the future. Given the team’s salary cap situation, securing Brown would not only address an immediate need but also provide stability at left tackle for years to come.
4. The Opportunity to Compete in the NFC North
The NFC North is a division that the Bears should be able to compete in sooner rather than later. With Aaron Rodgers potentially leaving the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings in a state of flux, the division appears to be open for a team like the Bears to make a move. By signing a player of Orlando Brown’s caliber, Chicago would significantly enhance its chances of contending for the division title in the near future.
Brown would likely be attracted to the opportunity to play for a team on the rise, and the Bears’ commitment to building a competitive roster aligns with his desire to be part of a playoff-caliber team. The chance to protect a young, talented quarterback like Fields could also be an enticing proposition for Brown, who has spent the majority of his career playing with elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.
Other Teams in the Mix
While the Chicago Bears are one of the top contenders to land Orlando Brown, there are other teams in the mix for his services. The Kansas City Chiefs could attempt to retain him with a long-term deal, and the Cincinnati Bengals are another team that has been rumored to be in the market for a top-tier left tackle. These teams, along with the Bears, will likely compete for Brown’s signature, but the Bears’ financial flexibility and the opportunity to protect a young quarterback give them an edge in this race.
