Josh Sitton to Bears: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction
Published by Adam Wells on September 4, 2016
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Offensive lineman Josh Sitton found a new home with the Chicago Bears on Sunday, the team announced.
Alex Marvez of Sporting News first reported that the two sides agreed to a three-year deal. ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that the contract is worth $21.75 million with $10 million in guarantees.
Sitton was a staple on the Green Bay Packers offensive line for years. The Packers drafted him in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL draft. He played primarily off the bench as a rookie before taking over as the starter at right guard the following year.
In eight seasons with the Packers, Sitton started 121 games, including 64 straight from 2012 to 2015, and he was a second-team All-Pro in each of the last three seasons.
He also proved to be versatile in Green Bay, moving to left guard in 2013 and playing at left tackle in 2015.
The Packers were hoping to trade Sitton, but they were unable to find a partner and released him while cutting their roster down to 53 players Saturday.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported the number of teams that were interested in Sitton reached double digits shortly after Green Bay cut him.
Sitton’s performance didn’t drop significantly last year, though, with WKBW’s Nick Filipowski providing this note from Pro Football Focus:
One NFL personnel source told Robinson that Sitton’s contract played a major role in the Packers’ decision to release the veteran.
Sitton was entering the final year of his deal with a $6.15 million base salary, per Over the Cap.
It’s rare to find a top-tier talent like Sitton available on the open market in September. He had his choice of suitors and ultimately decided the Bears were the best fit. The fact that he’s coming from a division rival is icing on the cake.
Even at 30 years old, Sitton continues to get better and more comfortable with each season, with his pass-protection and run-blocking abilities likely making him a savvy acquisition for Chicago.
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