Heading into the offseason, the Bears knew that offensive line was a major concern that needed to be addressed. Which is why it was a surprise that Chicago didn’t make any moves during the early wave of free agency.
The Bears finally addressed offensive line with the free-agent signing of former first-round draft pick Germain Ifredi. Chicago essentially signed Ifredi to a one-year prove it deal.
And, considering Ifredi’s struggles in Seattle, he certainly has a lot to prove if he wants a future in Chicago.
Here are five things to know about the Bears newest offensive lineman:
1. Ifedi is another first-round bust signed by Bears
Ryan Pace hasn’t found much luck with his own first-round selections (see: Kevin White, Leonard Floyd, Mitchell Trubisky). So, instead, he’s turning to other team’s failed first-round picks in hopes that they’ll find new life in Chicago.
Ifedi is the latest first-round selection that didn’t earn a second contract from his original team, joining the likes of new cornerback Artie Burns and outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo.
Ifedi was selected by the Seahawks with the 31st selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, and he’s been one of the more polarizing guys on the roster. After Seattle declined to pick up his fifth-year option ahead of the 2019 season, everyone knew the writing was on the wall in regards to his future with the Seahawks.
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