With money coming off the books, the Chicago Bears need to revisit the free agent market.
The Chicago Bears won’t look the same in 2020 even if they stand pat. Mitchell Trubisky could give way to Nick Foles at literally any time, Robert Quinn is joining forces with Khalil Mack, and the roster now features approximately 106 tight ends. This doesn’t mean we ought to consider Ryan Pace’s offseason work to be done, however.
On Tuesday, Chicago will come into approximately $2.8 million in cap space due to parting ways with Trey Burton. And with that in mind, they should take a long look at an accomplished free agent who can boost up their offensive line: Larry Warford.
Chicago Bears should reach out to offensive guard Larry Warford
Four teams are set to gain cap space tomorrow as a result of post-June 1 cuts earlier this offseason:
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) June 1, 2020
* Bears: $2.8M (Trey Burton)
* Falcons: $10.75M (Desmond Trufant)
* Jets: $11M (Trumaine Johnson)
* Rams: $5.5M (Todd Gurley)
Warford, a surprise cut by the Saints after making his third straight Pro Bowl, is admittedly not the cheapest option out there, but his skill in the interior is undeniable. Over the Cap estimates the Bears’ cap space at $8,765,098 presently, which would technically give them just about exactly what they’d need to sign him right here, right now even before that Burton bump.
It was reported on May 9 that the Bears’ interest in Warford had died down, but that extra $2.8 in breathing room could make all the difference in convincing Pace and Co. to pull the trigger without feeling like they’re betting the farm. His price only goes down with the passing of time, after all.
The #Bears need aggression back in the O-Line. Last year, they were incredibly soft
— Austin F (@PodGuyFuges) May 9, 2020
Between always falling down, completely whiffing on blocks, pulling too late. It was bad, just watch the tape
Larry Warford will instantly bring that aggression back...
pic.twitter.com/wJve5c2GPQ
Trubisky needs all the help he can get in what is surely a make-or-break year. Giving the Bears’ running game every chance to take the heat off of him isn’t a bad policy, and Larry Warford is the single best option on the free agent market in helping to usher this into reality.
When you’re flush, you’re flush. Time for Chicago to get busy.