It’s possible the Bears will earmark some of the $9 million in savings created by releasing Charles Leno and look to add someone with experience at left tackle. Fisher still is rehabilitating from a torn Achilles tendon suffered in the AFC championship game, and that’s a serious injury. The soonest Fisher, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft, probably would be ready is at some point in the preseason. There are a few other options on the street. Alejandro Villanueva signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday with $8 million guaranteed, so that gives you an idea of the price tag for an experienced left tackle. Russell Okung is available, but injuries have limited him to 13 games over the last two seasons, and then there’s 39-year-old Jason Peters. I doubt any of those guys would sign for close to the minimum, so how much would the Bears want to pay after re-signing Ifedi? One GM I spoke with said he totally understands the Leno release if the Bears have full conviction Jenkins will be their starting left tackle. The last thing they want is for Jenkins to play on that side, where he started seven games at Oklahoma State, and struggle. That wouldn’t be good for his development or for the quarterback. I doubt Bars will be in competition for the starting right tackle job, but he could be a super sub who is the first man off the bench at multiple positions on the line.
Chicago Bears Q&A: How soon will Justin Fields start at QB? How will the offensive line look after Charles Leno’s exit? Why is Nick Foles still on the roster?
