NFL Free Agency: Chicago Bears Now Target OL; Sign LT Jermon Bushrod
Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; New Orleans Saints tackle Jermon Bushrod (74) celebrates a victory in overtime with kicker Garrett Hartley (5) against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. The Saints beat the Cowboys 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier today, the Chicago Bears made a real splash in the Free Agent market as they signed former Giants TE Martellus Bennett to a 4-year deal aimed at providing a complete target from the TE position for Jay Cutler and the offense to use this upcoming season. Now, the Chicago Bears are dead set on improving the OL, and they’ve already just landed one of the top LTs in the NFL, as Adam Schefter reports the Chicago Bears have just reached an agreement with former Saints LT Jermon Bushrod:
Former Saints OT Jermon Bushrod reached agreement with Bears.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2013
Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun Times reports it is a 5 year deal
#Bears agree to terms on a 5-year deal with Jermon Bushrod, according to league sources. More to come… http://t.co/LVfH4UJ65h
— Sean K. Jensen (@seankjensen) March 12, 2013
Jermon Bushrod makes the most sense for the Bears in terms of improving their OT position, as not only is Jermon Bushrod one heck of a Pro Bowl talent, but current Bears Offensive Coordinator and OL coach Aaron Kromer mentored Bushrod from day 1 while both were in New Orleans together. Aaron Kromer was the Saints’ OL coach as well as running game coordinator, so seeing him reach out to one of his star players in an effort to solve the Bears’ biggest problem should come at no surprise. That is not all the Bears are doing to repair their front 5 on offense. There are reports the Chicago Bears are pursuing OGs Brandon Moore (Jets) and Kevin Boothe (Giants), as from Michael C. Wright of ESPN Chicago citing from Brian Coz:
RT @BrianCoz: Bears remain the strongest suitor for FA guard Brandon Moore. #nyj
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) March 12, 2013
And from his colleague Jeff Dickerson:
This has been reported elsewhere, but #Giants OG Kevin Boothe is part of that second-tier at OG that could entice #Bears.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) March 12, 2013
Not only have the Chicago Bears solved the TE position, but now they’ve completely upgraded their LT position, easily the most criticized position out of all 5 on the Bears’ OL from a year ago. There is no word on the fate of current Bears LT J’Marcus Webb, but make no mistake Bears fans, Jermon Bushrod is the LT for years to come. The OT and TE positions were the two largest areas of concern for the Chicago Bears this off-season, and after just the first few hours of Free Agency, they’ve more than solved those issues entirely. Cuts are expected to come soon for the Bears, and nothing is known of Brian Urlacher’s fate right now. Make no mistake, the long period of radio silence is over in Chicago, Phil Emery has made his presence known. And, something tells me this is just the beginning, so hold onto your hats and stay tuned!