The Chicago Bears may have found late offseason gold. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears have expressed interest in the recently released Larry Warford, who was cut from the New Orleans Saints on Friday.
These last 3 years with the Saints have been nothing but a blessing. The team, the city, and the fans have given me an experience I won’t forget. New Orleans is something different. Thank you all for everything!! 🤙🏾
— Larry Warford (@wardaddy_75) May 8, 2020
The Saints drafted Cesar Ruiz in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and Warford immediately became the odd-man-out. However, he’s been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons, and PFF gave him a grade of 73.1 last year.
While the Bears seem intent of having Germain Ifedi as the starting right guard, Warford has committed far fewer penalties. Last year, he was responsible for just one holding and three false start penalties.
The 28-year-old has remained relatively healthy throughout his career as well. He was originally selected in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions and was named PFF’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Bears’ 2020 season banks on a couple of things happening, and both are on the offensive side of the ball. The first is, obviously, improved quarterback play, and the second is a stable offensive line. Bears general manager Ryan Pace was just given an answer to the second on a silver platter.
Sure, the Bears are up against the salary cap, but the Saints will carry a dead-cap hit of $5.2 million after releasing Warford. Depending on the market for him, I’d be curious if Warford would accept a lesser deal, given the Saints are paying him to play for another team.
Regardless, if the Bears have aspirations of an improved running game and play from the quarterback position, Warford would be a smart signing and an immediate starter.
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