The answer at Right Tackle

by tomas21 on Feb 12, 2009 1:00 PM CST

Khalif Barnes.

He's a probably cap casualty in Jacksonville. He has been semi-productive at LT--he's one of the best run-blockers out there, but struggles at pass-blocking.

He will probably command a salary similar to Tait's, so the cost would be a relative wash. Throw him at RT and I think he really solidifies the line, not to mention lets the Bears fill one more hole with it's first or second round pick.

Tweet Comment 21 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I cannot comment on the guy

but if he is an upgrade, I am all for it.

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Feb 12, 2009 1:08 PM CST reply actions

If He's Available

Why not? I don’t know much about him but he’s a 5th year vet and he’s started all 16 games the last two years and he’s only 26. I am all for it.

by Sam Householder on Feb 12, 2009 1:10 PM CST reply actions

He's too average...

And this was the first thing that came to mind when I read this post:

Pops.

Things will get better as they improve...

by Dane Noble on Feb 12, 2009 1:15 PM CST reply actions

At least he didn't try

to attack a Taco Bell employee through the drive thru window.

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Feb 12, 2009 1:27 PM CST up reply actions

I deleted a reply here

that I feel I may need to explain my comment.

It was not leveled at Barnes. If you recall a few years back some line player, right now I think it was Detroit, but not positive, tried to climb in a drive thru and got stuck. I was simply saying at least this guy didn’t do that.

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Feb 12, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions

No Way!!!

to many penalties called on him

"blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda and we'll go from there"
-Lovie Smith

by ifuwannacrownem on Feb 12, 2009 1:16 PM CST reply actions

I think John StClair.....

May be the answer at right tackle.

Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.

by Haightminow on Feb 12, 2009 1:38 PM CST reply actions

RT... or LG for St Clair.

Would be nice to have the veteran next to Williams, instead of Josh Beekman.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Feb 12, 2009 6:08 PM CST up reply actions

Especially considering Beekman seems a bit undersized.

Things will get better as they improve...

by Dane Noble on Feb 12, 2009 6:10 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe...

He played LT, and was a good run blocker (I’m trusting you), and struggled. The problem is that good LTs usually need to be good in pass-protection so the can protect the QBs blind side and are usually lined up against the other teams pass rusher. A RT can get away with not being good in pass protection, and the Bears do need some good run-blockers for Forte.

by chase17 on Feb 12, 2009 5:31 PM CST reply actions

Don't under-rate pass protection from the RT

We’re gonna need it next year!

Against Minny, we’ll have to face Jared Allen twice… which will leave Ray Edwards (who’s getting better) one-on-one with our RT.

Against Green Bay, we’ll get Aaron Kampman… and Dom Capers’ new 3-4 defense. Linebackers will be blitzing the QB from both ends of the line.

Against Detroit… well… um… nevermind.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Feb 12, 2009 6:02 PM CST up reply actions

sad

but barring injury John Taint will be the bears starting RT.

Barnes would be nice, but i’d prefer to sign Vernon Carey and keep Taint at RT

by No It All on Feb 12, 2009 5:52 PM CST reply actions

What position would you play Carey at?

We did draft Chris Williams to be our LT, if we keep Tait at RT it would be stupid to sign Carey to be a backup.

by chase17 on Feb 12, 2009 5:55 PM CST up reply actions

Carey has played both Guard and RT for the Dolphins...

He’s a 350lb monster.

Depends on your run-blocking system I guess… on where you want to put him. I don’t know how quick he is as a pulling guard.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Feb 12, 2009 6:05 PM CST up reply actions

2nd that emotion

by No It All on Feb 12, 2009 6:14 PM CST up reply actions

CAREY DILEMMA

Miami Herald, Feb 7, 2009

Carey is a satisfactory starting right tackle who, in my estimation, could be dominant as a guard. It is clear the Dolphins want to keep him, but it is possible they might move him to a troubled guard spot if a superior rookie tackle falls to them during the draft.

That leaves Parcells and Ireland with a dilemma.

Do they pay Carey a big contract as a good starting right tackle, knowing that is what other teams will be willing to do in free agency?

Or do they offer Carey a more modest contract — knowing Carey might end up at guard anyway — and risk losing him in free agency?

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Feb 12, 2009 6:20 PM CST up reply actions

Miami

OLine is probably their best unit right now. Guard or Tackle I expect the fins to try their best to keep him. His versatility only makes him more valuable. I don’t really see the “dilemma” other than wanting to pay less for a good player by means of labeling him, especially when they know better than anyone that the label undervalues the versatility he provides.

look for the bears to get into a lot of high stakes bidding wars for the many good free agents on the market this offseason.

by No It All on Feb 12, 2009 7:12 PM CST up reply actions

I think he'll stay there if the money is similar.

It’s his hometown.

I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008

by SackMan on Feb 13, 2009 11:14 AM CST up reply actions

ESPN Free Agent OTs + Grades

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/fa?positionId=46
my first link to a website; hope this works!
Lots of veteran choices here; I would spend the money and get a top rated RT, cut Tait, resign St. Clair to backup up either OT spot and draft an OT 4th round or later to develop.

by gillrowdy on Feb 13, 2009 12:23 AM CST reply actions

Tait to retire

I read this morning that Tait is probably going to retire because of chronic ankle problems all last year. Now we have to resign St Clair and pick up a RT in FA or the draft.

by luckie815 on Feb 14, 2009 6:52 AM CST reply actions