Seems this may be a depth signing, just a heads up. Not sure completely though. Edit: I take this back, Larsen started 8 games last year spelling Josh Sitton. Experienced guy, should plug in right away. Best part: he can play either G spot. So we have flexibility if we devote a high draft pick for the other spot.
Looks like Larsen has played both guard spots as well as center. Has good size thinking we may have a new starter here.
He will be given every opportunity to land either starting job. But, when a guy is versatile it can sometimes be a detriment in the beginning as coaches will shift him around rather than letting them settle in right away. Doesn't mean it is a certainty, but it is a possibility.
I was originally rooting for the team to sign Ron Leary, but after seeing the contract Denver just handed him, I'm more than okay with this pick up. Larsen has been steady and reliable for the majority of his career, and Gase obviously had some say in this. He knows what it takes to build a championship offense, and if Larsen is going to play a role in that, then let's go.
I just talked to a producer for the sports radio station in Chicago; 670 The Score, and he said he thought Larsen was terrible. I don't remember that being the case, though. That running back for the Bears last year made the ProBowl, so somebody was blocking for him.
Why is the O-Line always such an issue with this team? They've invested soooooo much capital into the aspect of the team and even last year they couldn't hold it together the full season. I have no faith that Pouncey can return for a full season. You've got both Tackles figured out and 1 of the 2 guards. But a move like this helps for depth if injuries happen. I say bring as many Lineman as well come to training camp.
This guy has only been good for one year according to PFF, and he was just average this year (that being his good year). He would be nice depth, but as a starter and our main guard addition in free agency we are going to have severe problems at guard yet again.
I'll say it again, two decent guards and the offense is ready to go, as in good-great. The defense will take two years to build up -so why split resources (free agent dollars and maybe the draft) so the OL remains an issue, and the offense remains average-good? Get one side of the ball completely fixed while you have the chance!
The way I see it, if you have three pro-bowlers on the field (Tunsil, Pouncey, and now Fasano...the best blocking TE in football), you can fill the other three positions with average and still dominate the league. Or maybe we salvage one more year out of Albert...that gives us 4 of 6 that are Pro-Bowl worthy. The key there of course is health...will Pouncey be ready to go? The J-Train only runs to one side of the field per play, and I'be be ecstatic with him cutting behind Pouncey, Tunsil, Fasano and some other guy. I think he would as well.
Albert is now a Jaguar. Pouncey is an injury risk. The OL needs some decent guards, but it is good news to see Fasano back again. We have our blocking TE, so I guess Sims won't be returning.
