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As free agency continues around the NFL another key depth player for the Chicago Bears has left for a pay-raise elsewhere. This time, it’s in the form of Cornelius Lucas, the Bears’ primary swing tackle for the 2019 season. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was the first to report the deal.
Ian Rapoport with more details here:
The #Redskins are signing OT Cornelius Lucas on a 2-years, $5.3M deal, source said. Added depth on the offensive line.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2020
When right tackle Bobby Massie was placed on injured reserve last season, Cornelius Lucas was called upon to replace Massie in the lineup. And the results were surprising: in eight starts he performed adequately well. PFF — for anyone who cares — graded him out with a 72.2 rating.
It is currently unknown what the Bears’ plans are for addressing their offensive line this offseason. At some point, a new veteran at guard and perhaps another at tackle will need to be brought in. Ryan Pace could also look to wait until the draft for the primary replacement(s).
But, there is some good news in all this.
With Lucas’s departure, the Bears currently stand to gain another compensatory pick for the 2021 draft class. For right now, Chicago is projected to have several 3rd-day compensatory picks following this free agency period. The more picks, the better for Halas Hall.
I for one will miss watching a player wear #73 who actually looked decent in blocking NFL D-Linemen. Unlike another certain veteran of a self per claimed nation....