By Brad BiggsThe arrival of Mike Martz as offensive coordinator could factor into tackle Orlando Pace's decision on whether to return for a second season with the Bears.
"I can't elaborate on that," Pace's agent Kennard McGuire said Wednesday.
Pace told the Tribune before the regular-season finale in Detroit that he was going to re-evaluate his situation before he made a decision on the future. The seven-time Pro Bowl performer was replaced at left tackle for the final month of the season after injuring a groin muscle at Minnesota on Nov. 29.
Photo: Orlando Pace is trying to decide whether to return for another season. (Jed Jacobsohn/AP)
"I miss playing. I'm a player. I've been playing for a while so this is
an adjustment for me,'' Pace said of watching from the sideline when he
was healthy. "That's why I said I really have to re-evaluate what I
want to do as far as my career goes. It's just one of those things. I
understand the situation.''
Pace, 34, is on the books for $3.75 million this season with a $250,000 workout bonus. He was a standout left tackle for Martz with the St. Louis Rams, but the Bears likely will keep Williams in that role moving forward. Pace did not want to sign with Baltimore last year because the Ravens wanted him to play right tackle.
The Bears have Kevin Shaffer at right tackle, although as the Tribune's Dan Pompei reported Wednesday, there is a possibility the team would consider moving Frank Omiyale from left guard to right tackle. The only other tackle on the roster is James Marten, so Pace would provide good experience and depth.
Pace, 34, is on the books for $3.75 million this season with a $250,000 workout bonus. He was a standout left tackle for Martz with the St. Louis Rams, but the Bears likely will keep Williams in that role moving forward. Pace did not want to sign with Baltimore last year because the Ravens wanted him to play right tackle.
The Bears have Kevin Shaffer at right tackle, although as the Tribune's Dan Pompei reported Wednesday, there is a possibility the team would consider moving Frank Omiyale from left guard to right tackle. The only other tackle on the roster is James Marten, so Pace would provide good experience and depth.
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If Lovie would let the O-line and the D-line hit during training camp, they might be able to judge the players better and see some improvement during the year. Know one on the line is going to improve themselves if they're only working on footwork and technique and not hitting each other. Wonder if new coach Mike Tice, will persuade Lovie to let them hit during camp?
Considering Martz's tendency for minimal protection schemes, the only factor in the decision from the Bears perspective is whether they want Cutler to survive or not. Pace has obviously lost at least one step from his peak, and likely more like 2 steps. PLaying against Jared Allen, the Packers 3-4, and the other dynamic pass rushers in the NFL, we need a young, mobile player on the left side.
That salary level tells me he will be released before the offseason gets into full swing, out of respect for Pace, giving him a chance to catch on somewhere else (Buffalo might need him to hold down the position for a year while a draft pick develops)
This was one of many poor FA matches we have made over the last several years, but on the surface, looked like a great move when it was made. I would call this one bad luck rather than bad move. Tinoisamoa looks about the same, in that it looked great, but didn't work out this year. Both players have been frequently injured, and are a risk going forward. We should cut ties with both.