Chicago Bears: 6 Players who likely won’t return in 2020

Charles Leno, Offensive Tackle

As I mentioned, the Chicago Bears need to make improving the offensive line a priority this offseason. If they want a true measure of Trubisky, he needs to stay up consistently. The Lions had a struggling pass-rushing defense yet recorded five sacks against the Bears.

The Bears have to stop trying to find older veterans or sixth or seventh-round picks to fill the line. They can acquire good talent with one of their second-round picks.

They could also find a veteran in his prime who could step in and help improve the line. Someone who still has miles left in the tank, not someone like Ted Larsen, who is running on fumes.

Charles Leno had a Pro Bowl season in 2018. That was great for him since his play had been much-criticized since the Bears drafted him in the seventh round in 2014. He suffered through growing pains and to see him succeed was great.

This season, however, Leno seems to have regressed. He is again struggling to keep in front of defenders. He is covering Trubisky’s blindside and is giving up too much pressure. Also, he’s committed way too many penalties.

Last season, he committed only two penalties. This season, there have been two games in which he committed two or more penalties (Week 1 vs. Green Bay Packers and Week 5 vs. Oakland Raiders). He has six penalties already this season.

After six seasons in Chicago, I think it’s time for the Bears to part ways with Leno. The big season he had last year appears to be the outlier. Letting him go also helps the team’s salary cap situation. Cutting him saves the Bears $8 million. This is a move that needs to be made.