Less than a day after the Green Bay Packers bid adieu to Josh Sitton, the Chicago Bears have landed the Pro Bowl guard. According to USA Today's Tom Pelissero, the two sides have agreed on a three-year, $21.75 million deal that includes $10 million in guarantees.
Prior to his release from the Packers, Sitton was set to make $6.85 million in 2016, his final year under his old contract. Sitton's new deal averages over $7 million annually, making the move financially beneficial for the veteran player.
More importantly, Sitton now becomes the most capable offensive lineman on a team that already employs second-team All-Pro guard Kyle Long. Sitton and Long immediately become the NFL's premier guard tandem on paper, with either second-round pick Cody Whitehair or journeyman Ted Larsen working between them at center. While Sitton may require some time before gaining a complete grasp of the Bears' playbook, his experience should allow him to perform at a high level from the get-go.
Sitton staying within the NFC North places the Packers and their front office further under the microscope as it relates to the move. On the surface, Green Bay has weakened itself on offense while strengthening the line of a division rival. The team has revealed nothing more about the guard's release since its initial press release, which simply wished him and his family well in his future endeavors. The events that led to Sitton's departure remain mostly a mystery.
Regardless of their reasons for moving on from their top offensive lineman, the Packers must face the consequences of their decision at least twice a season for the foreseeable future.