Bears could move Cody Whitehair back to center

Bears GM Ryan Poles indicated we could see Cody Whitehair back at center in 2023.

When the Bears went out and signed offensive guard Nate Davis in free agency, many expected it to be the end of Cody Whitehair in Chicago.

But that doesn’t appear to be the case.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles mentioned flexibility with the offensive line, where the goal is “to put the best front five up there.” So where does Whitehair factor in?

Poles said that Whitehair could work at center, a position he’s played in Chicago before.

“He’s got 4,000 snaps there,” Poles said, an indication that this isn’t just an idea but a very real possibility heading into the 2023 season.

When looking at where the offensive line currently stands, the Bears have one glaring hole at right tackle. Elsewhere, there’s an argument to be made that the starting line could consist of Braxton Jones at left tackle, Nate Davis at left guard, Whitehair at center and Teven Jenkins at right guard.

That’s not to say Poles won’t make more moves between now and the NFL draft to add other potential starters and depth pieces. Lucas Patrick, Larry Borom and Alex Leatherwood are some notable depth options for Chicago.

While the Bears have added only one offensive lineman in free agency so far, that’s not an indication that Poles is taking the position lightly this offseason. After all, we saw him make a move to add wide receiver DJ Moore to the roster. Poles will likely look to do the same on the offensive line.

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