The Chicago Bears offense has struggled during the first week of training camp. In large part, thanks to the poor play from the offensive line. It’s been a major issue for the past few seasons and needs fixing ASAP. With a rookie quarterback coming into play this season, the Bears offensive line has to provide protection and clean up the sloppy performance thus far. That being said, a key member of the offensive line is due for an extension, which should be done soon.
Glaring Issue The Chicago Bears Must Address
Teven Jenkins’ Contract Situation
Although Teven Jenkins has a history of injuries, he is the Bears’ best offensive lineman when healthy, and they can’t afford to lose him. With Jenkins becoming a free agent next season, it’s vital General Manager Ryan Poles gets a deal done with him soon. Despite reports that the Bears plan to delay negotiations with Jenkins until later in the season, it’s perplexing why they are not prioritizing a new contract now. Last season, Jenkins was one of the NFL’s top guards, ranking fifth in zone-run grade according to PFF. Additionally, he allowed only 11 hurries and 17 pressures, tied for the second and third-fewest among offensive guards with 11+ starts.
#Bears LG Teven Jenkins among all guards in 2023:
• 72.6 PFF grade (15th)
• 85.7 zone-run grade (5th)
• 71.7 total run grade (14th)
• 11 hurries (T-2nd fewest for OGs with 11+ starts)
• 17 pressures (T-3rd fewest)All while switching positions midseason. He's legit. pic.twitter.com/wVW5nWiEM9
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) June 7, 2024
Jenkins is the type of offensive lineman every team dreams of having in the trenches. Not only that, he also brings the physicality the Bears’ offensive line desperately needs. It’s not just about Jenkins being an elite offensive lineman; it’s also about the Bears’ lack of depth on the o-line. The Bears’ only viable backups are Ryan Bates, Ja’Tyre Carter, and third-round pick Kiran Amegadije. Without Jenkins on the team, it could spell huge trouble for the Bears.
Teven Jenkins Projected Contract: 3 yr, $46.5 million ($27.5 mil guaranteed)
Learning From Past Mistakes
For one, the Bears shouldn’t let Jenkins leave in free agency. The pros of keeping him outweigh the cons, and the Bears should learn from past mistakes. One example is during free agency in 2022, the Bears let former second-round pick James Daniels sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers for a three-year, $26.5 million contract. Daniels was an incredibly talented and versatile guard who was only 24 at the time. He’s exactly the kind of player the Bears could use now, especially given the issues with Nate Davis, who frequently misses practices and signed a three-year, $30 million contract last season.
Improving the Offensive Line
Head Coach Matt Eberflus knows the offensive line needs to improve. “It’s got to be all three phases hitting on all cylinders, and we’re just not there yet,” said Eberflus. “Of course, it’s early in training camp, and I don’t expect us to be. But I do expect us to grow and learn from this and get better.” Although it’s early in the season, and the Bears offensive line is practicing against one of the better defenses, addressing any issues on the o-line is crucial. In addition to re-signing Jenkins, the Bears should consider adding some help to bolster the offensive line. Veteran free agents like David Bakhtiari, Connor Williams, Matt Feiler, and Mark Glowinski are all options for the Bears to improve the o-line.
Main Image: Kamil Krzaczynski – USA Today Sports
