Chicago Bears must re-sign James Daniels this offseason

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles announced that improving the offensive line is his top priority. If true, then he needs to re-sign James Daniels.

When the Chicago Bears held a press conference to announce the hiring of general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, there was an announcement that should have made fans ecstatic. Poles, who was an offensive lineman during his career in college and his short-lived stint in the NFL, said that he wanted to prioritize the improvement of the offensive line.

For too many seasons, the Bears have had a difficult time protecting the quarterback. Just over the past two seasons, Chicago’s offensive line gave up a total of 94 sacks. No matter who was under center, he was usually running for his life.

Poles feels especially close to the linemen, and he said he didn’t like what he saw from the unit. He wants to see a more aggressive, more nasty line that protects the franchise quarterback, Justin Fields.

There are some big decisions to make by Poles. The Bears have Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom as the bookend tackles. There are some people in the league who feel that Jenkins could be better suited to move over to guard. If that happens, then Poles needs to go out and look for an established veteran left tackle.

The Bears already have Cody Whitehair and James Daniels at guard. If Jenkins moves over to guard, who leaves?

Well, Daniels is a free agent this offseason. Do the Bears let him walk? On the contrary, they need to re-sign him. Daniels may be one of the most important signings on the line.

An area of concern for the Bears is at center. Sam Mustipher had a strong season in 2020 but struggled in 2021. It is unsure whether the Bears bring him back. Both Whitehair and Daniels played center during their careers. However, Daniels is a better athlete and could be a better option at center.

If the Bears part ways with Mustipher and move Daniels over, then Jenkins can slide over to the right guard spot Daniels covered.

NFL.com’s Gil Brandt looked at every free agent that NFC teams needed to keep. For the Bears, it was Daniels. This is what he had to say about keeping him.

"The former second-rounder missed most of 2020 with a torn pectoral, but he bounced back with a strong season in the final year of his rookie deal, earning the best offensive and pass-blocking Pro Football Focus grades of his career thus far while starting in all 17 contests. Re-signing Daniels will make life easier for Justin Fields."

Daniels is just 24 years old and has impressed a lot of people in his four seasons. Keeping him would solidify the line. Moving over to center would make that spot stronger. Having Jenkins move over to guard gives the Chicago Bears an interior lineman similar to fan-favorite Kyle Long.

When healthy, Long had the nastiness that endeared him to the fans and he had some big seasons. They haven’t had an interior lineman like him since the Bears parted ways with him. Jenkins could be that guy.

Furthermore, having an established veteran left tackle to protect Field’s blindside would make him feel better than having someone with just a couple of games under his belt. Making Fields feel as comfortable as possible is important so he could be put in a successful situation. If that happens, then we may finally enter a new era of winning in Chicago.