The Chicago Bears are deciding to go with the youth movement, which led them to part ways with OG Josh Sitton. We take a look at just how the established veteran could fit with the Tennessee Titans.
With a brand new Tennessee Titans offense set to take the stage in 2018, it’s pivotal that the team provides QB Marcus Mariota with as much protection as possible. Mariota will need time to adjust to a new coaching staff and new terminology, along with a new playbook. Having that dependable supporting cast around the young franchise quarterback will be monumental to making this adjustment period go as smoothly as possible.
In order to accomplish that, GM Jon Robinson should look no further than Josh Sitton. The Chicago Bears are parting ways with the 31-year-old guard, in a move that will save them around $8 million. Despite his age and being let go from a rebuilding team in desperate need of talent, Sitton could be the answer for the Titans on the interior of the offensive line.
With Quinton Spain (RFA) and Josh Kline (UFA) set to hit the open market in March, it’s more then likely one will not return in 2018. Since Spain is younger and is considered a restricted free agent, as opposed to unrestricted, it makes it more feasible that he will return as a starter at one of the guard spots. Not to mention, Kline has been underwhelming since joining the team, which would make Sitton an obvious upgrade as his replacement.
Josh Sitton had the fifth-highest grade of any guard in 2017! 👀 pic.twitter.com/qgGVKBp4jl
— PFF (@PFF) February 21, 2018
It’s not the easiest task to understand how good interior offensive linemen really are. Since they’re in the thick of the trenches, it’s hard to spot them from the typical view we watch the games through when they’re on TV. That can make it difficult to get a real feel on how they perform. To try and put into perspective how good Sitton has been throughout his career, consider the following.
Since becoming the starter for the Green Bay Packers in 2009, Sitton has been the definition of consistent and productive. He has posted a PFF grade no worse than an 85 in that nine-year span, while also being able to accumulate four Pro Bowl selections. Sitton has not only won over analysts and fans as one of the best in the league, but his peers as well.
Add on top of all of that that he was consistently producing in one of the heaviest zone blocking teams in the league in Chicago. The Titans’ new look offense will rely heavily on that same blocking scheme, making this potential marriage almost too perfect.
If Robinson is able to reach into his bag of tricks and lure Sitton to Nashville on a more team-friendly contract, it would cement this unit as one of the better ones in the league for the upcoming season. A move like this would not only help the line return to its dominant 2016 form, but Mariota’s as well.