The Chicago Bears are connected to a left tackle who has secured two Super Bowl victories in free agency.
The Chicago Bears have made significant improvements at various key positions, but left tackle remains a notable area of concern.
With the 9th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, the Bears may address this issue or opt for an edge rusher instead. In case they choose the latter, free agency could provide a solution to bolster the depth around Braxton Jones, who has taken on the starting role at left tackle since entering the NFL in 2022.
According to Bill Barnwell of ESPN, the Bears are viewed as the ideal destination for Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Donovan Smith, a two-time Super Bowl champion. Smith demonstrated solid performance as a left tackle for the Chiefs, boasting a pass block win rate of nearly 91% during his sole season with the team. This statistic suggests his effectiveness in protecting quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, ranking him 18th among all tackles in this aspect.
As the Bears prepare for the Caleb Williams era, upgrading the left tackle position appears to be a glaring need. Bringing in Smith would provide veteran stability on Williams' blindside while transitioning Jones into a versatile swing role.
In addition to potential free agent acquisitions, the Bears have reinforced their offensive line during the offseason. They acquired Coleman Shelton, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, who is expected to start at center in 2024. Furthermore, the team drafted right tackle Darnell Wright and signed right guard Nate Davis, solidifying the right side of the offensive line. Teven Jenkins, who had a standout season in 2023, is slated to start at left guard.
Moreover, the Bears added depth to the center position by trading for Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills. Bates, initially a guard, is listed as the backup center on the Bears' depth chart.
Should the Bears secure Smith, Jones would likely transition into a depth role, enhancing the team's offensive line depth significantly. Despite this, there's also a possibility of Smith serving as a rotational option, which would mark a departure from his established career trajectory.
Smith, drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft, has been a consistent starter throughout his career, boasting 136 starts and winning a Super Bowl ring with the Buccaneers in 2020.
| POLL | ||
23 MARS | 145 ANSWERS The Chicago Bears are connected to a left tackle who has secured two Super Bowl victories in free agency. Should the Bears sign Donovan Smith? | ||
| Yes | 102 | 70.3 % |
| No | 43 | 29.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
