The Chicago Bears’ 2023 free agency plan has to include an upgrade at right tackle. One of the best veteran options available on the open market is Jacksonville Jaguars starter, Jawaan Taylor.
Taylor, 25, has started each of the last four seasons for the Jaguars. He entered the NFL as a second-round pick from Florida (No. 35 overall) and has evolved into one of the NFL’s more respected starters at his position.
The Chicago Bears fielded a platoon of players at right tackle in 2022. Larry Borom and Riley Reiff were the most relevant, but neither player is expected to compete for a starting job in 2023. It’s more likely a big-ticket free agent like Taylor is added, with Borom (and perhaps Reiff) relegated to swing tackle duties as a backup.
Jawaan Taylor would be a logical target for GM Ryan Poles for a few reasons. First, he isn’t considered the top offensive tackle available in free agency. That distinction likely belongs to Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Mike McGlinchey (San Francisco 49ers) could have a stronger market at right tackle. Kaleb McGary (Atlanta Falcons) will also get a long look from tackle-needy teams. Competition for Taylor may not be as fierce.
Second, Taylor could sign cheaper than the other free-agent right tackles. Spotrac has his projected market value at four years, $56 million ($14 million per season). That’s a number lower than McGlinchey ($14.9 million per season) and McGary ($17.7 million per season) are expected to earn. And while the Bears don’t have any money problems this offseason, Poles has made it clear he doesn’t want to spend money just to spend it.
