Leading the NFL in points per game (33.3) and yards per game (410) in 2024, the Detroit Lions offence has been outstanding. The Lions’ offensive line is one of the most powerful units in football, even if quarterback Jared Goff, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Detroit’s skill players are largely given the credit for the offense’s success.
Although Detroit’s starting five offensive line is perhaps the finest in the league, Dan Skipper, the unit’s best backup, contributes significantly to the offence as well. Although Skipper has started five Lions games this season, he primarily assists Detroit’s rushing offence and acts as an additional offensive lineman in most games.
Skipper is probably the most indispensable backup in sports, but Last Word on Sports’ Isaac Zuniga says the veteran will left Detroit this offseason and sign with the division foe Chicago Bears on a one-year, $2.5 million deal.
Zuniga also thinks Chicago will bolster their offensive line in the offseason by adding Miami Dolphins guard Robert Jones, Philadelphia Eagles guard Mekhi Becton, and Atlanta Falcons centre Drew Dalman. Additionally, he believes that Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Lions, will be hired by Chicago as their next head coach.
“It’s hard to imagine Ryan Poles investing heavily in more than two offensive line starters,” Zuniga stated. “As a more affordable alternative, the Bears may choose to sign Robert Jones, a guard with the Miami Dolphins. Ben Johnson might bring in Dan Skipper, a well-known figure, for depth.
The 30-year-old Skipper would provide the offensive line some versatility and could play as the sixth offensive lineman, just like he did in Detroit, making him an excellent depth addition for the Bears. When asked to play left tackle this season, Skipper has again performed admirably, giving up just one sack and 11 quarterback pressures on 135 pass-blocking snaps with a 61.0 PFF pass-blocking rating.
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