Former Green Bay Packers All-Pro guard Josh Sitton, quickly found a new home. He stays within the NFC North with the Chicago Bears after being released by the Packers.
Chicago Bears Sign Veteran Guard Josh Sitton
The Bears and Sitton agreed to a three-year deal worth $21.75 million with $10 million in guarantees, according to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter.
Josh Sitton signing a 3-year, $21.75 million deal that includes $10M guaranteed with the Chicago Bears, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2016
Sitton, 30, was drafted out of UCF by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. In eight seasons with the Packers, Sitton made three Pro Bowls (2012, 2014, 2015), as well as starting 121 games, including 64-straight games. The Pro Bowler was also a second team All-Pro in each of his final three years in Green Bay, and a member of the Packers team that won Super Bowl XLV.
The Packers organization released a statement in regards to Josh Sitton after they were unable to trade him.
“We want to thank Josh for his contributions during his time in Green Bay. He has been an important part of the success we have enjoyed on the field,” Packers general manager Ted Thompson said.
“While these decisions are never easy, this was done with a focus on what is best for the team and the growth of the offensive line. We wish Josh and his wife, Kristen, all the best in the future.”
With the three-time Pro Bowler now joining the Chicago Bears, they’ll have to shake up their offensive line. The Bears rookie Cody Whitehair has started the entire preseason at left guard, and will most likely backup at the center position which he has practiced at. Ted Larson is the presumed starting center heading into the 2016 NFL season after Chicago lost Hroniss Grasu to a season-ending ACL tear.
Bears Extend Kyle Long, Release Robbie Gould
In other Bears’ moves, they agreed to a $40 million extension with right guard Kyle Long. The deal includes $30 million in guaranteed money, the most for an NFL guard. Long is hoping to be ready for the Houston Texans in week one as he deals with a shoulder injury.
On Sunday, the Bears announced that they have released their longtime kicker, Robbie Gould. The veteran kicker played his entire eleven-year career with Chicago, making 276 field goals, which is a 85.4 percent rate. The Bears signed former New Orleans Saints kicker, Connor Barth, who was released by the Saints on Saturday.
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