The Chicago Bears haven’t made any splashes in free agency so far, but there have been some under-the-radar signings that could ultimately pan out for them.
One of those is offensive lineman Lucas Patrick, who is reuniting with former Green Bay Packers quarterback coach and new Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Patrick revealed he was brought in to play center, although he also has experience playing at both guard positions.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles discussed the addition of Patrick to the roster, one of his first moves in free agency. He called Patrick “a prick,” which is a sincere form of flattery for an offensive lineman.
“The things he was screaming in the phone after we got a deal done, it kind of showed what he’s all about,” Poles said. “…He’s tough, he’s a prick and he knows it, and that’s how he survives and that’s what we need up front.”
Patrick appears to fit the mold that Poles is looking for in offensive linemen, which is lighter, quicker and nastier. It’s why guys like Germain Ifedi and Jason Peters aren’t returning.
There are still plenty of question marks along the offensive line, including the inexperience with second-year tackles Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom. Right now, it appears that only Patrick and Cody Whitehair are cemented in their roles at center and left guard, respectively.
But other changes are certainly coming. And you can rest assure Poles will be looking to bring some more nastiness to an offensive line that’s lacked it for awhile.
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