{"id":201004,"date":"2024-11-19T12:30:54","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T17:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=201004"},"modified":"2024-11-19T02:45:29","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T07:45:29","slug":"plans-a-b-for-rebuilding-the-bears-offensive-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024\/11\/19\/plans-a-b-for-rebuilding-the-bears-offensive-line\/","title":{"rendered":"Plans A & B for Rebuilding the Bears Offensive Line Include Help From Chiefs, Ravens"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s clear the Chicago Bears have a subpar offensive line. After giving up nine sacks to the New England Patriots,<\/a> addressing the O-line will be a huge priority during the offseason. With that in mind, here are Plans A and B for rebuilding the Bears O-line.<\/p>\n

Plans A & B for Rebuilding the Bears Offensive Line<\/h2>\n

Plan A<\/h3>\n

Let Go of Two Starters on the Offensive Line<\/h4>\n

In an ideal scenario, this is how the Bears should address their offensive line issues. First, they should let left guard Teven Jenkins<\/a> leave in free agency. While Jenkins has been one of the team’s top performers when healthy, his inability to stay on the field is a huge concern. He hasn’t played a full season for the Bears without suffering an injury, hindering his potential to reach All-Pro status. The team needs dependable players, and Jenkins doesn’t fit that mold. Next, the Bears should also part ways with Coleman Shelton. His lack of size is a glaring issue, leading to being repeatedly overpowered throughout the season and contributing to\u00a0Caleb William<\/a>s being sacked far too often.<\/p>\n

Who to Sign During Free Agency<\/h4>\n

The Bears should prioritize signing Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> right guard Trey Smith during free agency. The three-year, $30 million investment in Nate Davis<\/a> didn\u2019t pan out, leaving a clear need for a dependable right guard like Smith. A two-time Super Bowl champion and Bleacher Report\u2019s No. 2 free agent,<\/a> Smith is one of the NFL’s premier run-blocking guards and should be Chicago’s top target if Kansas City doesn’t re-sign him. Bleacher Report highlights Smith as an ideal fit for the Bears, noting:<\/p>\n

“Smith should be a top target of the Bears, who have a need at right guard and are projected to have\u00a0$73 million<\/a> in 2025 cap space available.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The other top free agent the Bears should target is Baltimore Ravens<\/a> tackle Ronnie Stanley. He’s Bleacher Reports’ No. 6 free agent, and they also mention he should be the Bears top target so they can ‘protect Caleb Williams.’ He’ll be on the older side at 31 by the time next season rolls around, but he’s an immediate upgrade over Braxton Jones, and the Bears have the luxury of keeping Jones as the backup in case Stanley gets injured during the season.<\/p>\n

Attacking Early During the 2025 NFL Draft<\/h4>\n

The Bears have a ton of draft capital this year,<\/a> with a first-round pick and two second-round picks that can be used to address the offensive line. Here are some high-profile O-line prospects to keep an eye on<\/a> until draft day and their ranking according to CBS Sports:<\/p>\n