Offensive line remains a top priority for the Chicago Bears this offseason. With a vacant right guard spot up for grabs and stability needed as a unit, general manager Ryan Pace has his work cut out for him.
The Bears’ lone move at offensive line this free agency has been bringing in former first-round pick Germain Ifedi on a one-year contract. Details of his deal hadn’t been revealed until now. And, as it turns out, Ifedi could wind up being a steal for the Bears if he pans out.
According to Field Yates, the Bears signed Ifedi to a one-year deal with a base salary of $910,000 and $137,500 signing bonus. Basically, Chicago snagged a four-year starter and former first-rounder for the veteran minimum.
Germain Ifedi’s one-year deal with the Bears if for the veteran salary benefit: $137,500 to sign, a $910,000 base salary with a cap number of $887,500. A wise value add for the Bears for a 25-year old that has started 60 games already.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 4, 2020
Ifedi has been one of the most penalized players in the league. Last season with the Seattle Seahawks, Ifedi had 13 penalties, which was tied for fifth in the NFL. He’s also been lackluster at times, particularly in pass protection.
If Ifedi can clean up the penalties and prove to be a reliable option at right guard, the Bears could find themselves a long-term starter.
Considering the Bears locked him up at the veteran minimum this year, this is a win-win for Chicago. If Ifedi doesn’t pan out, the Bears didn’t pay him a ton of money. But if Ifedi does pan out, they’ll have managed to find an answer at right guard for the future.
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