Chicago Bears shouldn’t think twice about signing Quinton Spain

Something has to change on the Bears’ offensive line

On Wednesday, the Buffalo Bills released Quinton Spain following a rough start to his 2020 season. Spain, who signed  a three-year, $15 million deal in Buffalo back in March, including a $1.5 million signing bonus, will become a likely hot commodity for needy offensive lines.

Since going undrafted out of West Virginia, the 29-year-old has found production as starter. After signing with the Tennessee Titans, he found himself in their starting lineup for the 2016 campaign. Spain started 48 games over four seasons with Tennessee before he starting all 16 games at guard for the Bills last season.

Any team could use a veteran talent that could have just needed a change a scenery. However, if the Chicago Bears hope to contend down the stretch, Ryan Pace should be giving Spain’s agent a call.

Should the Bears go after Quinton Spain?

The Bears interior offensive line has been their weakest link all season outside of quarterback. Part of that is due to the retirement of Kyle Long last offseason and the recent injury to James Daniels. Daniels, who was drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft, was placed on the injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle suffered in the team’s victory over Tampa Bay.

In his place, Rashaad Coward was given the starting nod at left guard against the Carolina Panthers. Let’s just say he’s not answer. Along the with rest of the Bears’ front, Coward immensely struggled against the run, looking slow out of his breaks while pulling.

Spain, alongside others, helped Derrick Henry blossom into a top-tier runner during his final season with the Titans. Last year in Orchard Park, the veteran guard helped Buffalo’s rushing offense finish in the top 10, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and 128.4 per game.

It’s Spain’s ability as a pass protector that really should benefit Chicago. According to Pro Football Focus, last season, he did not allow a single sack from the interior on second-year quarterback Josh Allen. Through six games, the Bears’ line has allowed 11 total sacks.

For the right price, Spain would a cheap rental that could rebound for a nice payday in 2021. The Bears, meanwhile, keep their mundane offense in pace to squeak by thanks to strong defensive play into the postseason.