Why The #Bengals Should Pass on Chance Warmack

There’s been a lot of talk amongst fans suggesting that the Bengals should look into signing free-agent guard Chance Warmack when Kevin Zeitler leaves in free agency. Warmack was drafted as the tenth pick in the first-round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He was considered by draft pundits to be an elite talent at the time, but after four seasons with the Titans, he simply hasn’t lived up to the hype. In reality, Warmack has been below average at best and the Bengals should look to avoid considering him as a replacement.

Most columnists widely consider Chance Warmack a bust. He has consistently struggled in the run game and in pass protection. In 2015, PFF graded Warmack 62^nd out of 82 guards in the NFL. Greg Cosell said on Nashville radio that Warmack stands out more often in a negative way than a positive one and is not living up to his draft status. If that isn’t convincing enough, the fact that the Titans declined to pick up his fifth-year option for the upcoming season should speak volumes.

Some people have looked at the success of the Titan’s offensive line in 2016 and assume Warmack is good by association. The problem is, Warmack only played two games in 2016 due to a controversial season ending injury to his middle finger. The coaching staff believe Warmack could’ve played through the injury.  The Titans’ offensive line played better without Warmack. After the 2016 season, PFF graded the Titans’ unit 1^st overall.   After the 2015 season when Warmack played, PFF graded the Titans’ unit 25^th overall. WalterFootball ranked Warmack 13^th overall on their 2017 Free Agent Guards list referring to him as “awful”.

Warmack looks bad on this play. Looks like he should have been to 2nd level to start. Trapping 3T with Spain. pic.twitter.com/H1nhwn3AhL

— Superhorn (@Super_Horn) September 19, 2016

Chance Warmack obviously is not good by any stretch. The Bengals should avoid him as a potential option in free agency. Warmack clearly would be a huge downgrade for the Bengals at guard. The team would be better off with another free agent, a current player on the roster, or a draft prospect. They shouldn’t feel the need to take a chance on Warmack. (Pun intended)