Tag: Bears free agent additions

Free Agency: Grading the Bears’ signing of OL Germain Ifedi

Germain Ifedi comes on a cheap 1-year deal to compete for the starting RG spot with the potential to become a contributor for the Bears.

Heading into this offseason, offensive line was one of the Bears’ biggest needs. Following a collective disappointing effort, that included a non-existent run game, it prompts change.

While that change isn’t likely to happen this season, given the monetary commitments to three starters on the offensive line, there’s definitely work that needs to be done, which explains the addition of new offensive line coach Juan Castillo.

Given offensive line was a major concern, it was a surprise that the Bears didn’t try to bring in help during the early wave of free agency, including filling a vacant right guard spot left by retired guard Kyle Long.

The Bears finally made their move on Wednesday, bringing in former first-round offensive lineman Germain Ifredi. But, like several first-round busts that Chicago has added this free agency, Ifredi came on a cheap deal for a reason.

Ifedi has been one of the most penalized players in the league. Last season, Ifedi had 13 penalties, which was tied for fifth in the NFL. There’s also the fact that he’s been lackluster at times, particularly in pass protection.

What Ifedi does bring to the table is experience and versatility. Ifedi has started 60 games over the last four seasons in Seattle, and he’s played at both the guard and tackle positions. Given the offensive line’s penchant for injuries last season — on the right side of the line — Ifedi’s versatility makes him an asset.

While Ifedi hasn’t lived up to his first-round status, the Bears are hoping that perhaps they find a contributor in the former 31st overall pick.

But there’s also the possibility that a change of scenery is what Ifedi needs to finally succeed. Maybe one team’s bust is another team’s treasure? Then again, don’t count on it when it comes to operating on Chicago’s flimsy offensive line.

Ultimately, Ifedi comes on a cheap one-year deal to compete for the starting right guard with the potential to become a solid contributor. If he sucks, he’s gone. If he doesn’t suck, well, that’s welcomed progress on the offensive line.

Grade: C+

What do you think, Bears fans? How would you grade Chicago’s acquisition of Ifedi?

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The Bears are bringing back QB Tyler Bray

While the Bears’ QB room is going to look different this season, it appears there will be a second familiar face in Tyler Bray.

While the Bears’ quarterback room is going to look different this season, it appears there will be at least two familiar faces.

Third-string quarterback Tyler Bray has re-signed with the Bears, according to Field Yates, where he’ll sit behind Mitchell Trubisky and newcomer Nick Foles, who will both be vying for the starting job in 2020.

Bray has been with the Bears since 2018, when he was brought in to serve as a mentor for Trubisky and to serve on Chicago’s practice squad. Bray has played under Nagy during his two seasons with the Bears, as well as with the Chiefs in 2014 and 2017.

Under the new collective bargaining rules, Bray is once again a candidate for the Bears practice squad, where there’s no limit on the number of years that a player is eligible for the practice squad.

Bray’s re-signing doesn’t necessarily rule out Chicago targeting a quarterback in this year’s draft. Considering the continued struggles at the quarterback position, general manager Ryan Pace needs to at least target a developmental prospect in the draft.

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Bears signing former first-round OL Germain Ifedi to 1-year deal

The Bears finally addressed the offensive line in free agency with the addition of tackle/guard Germain Ifedi

Offensive line has been arguably one of the biggest needs this offseason for the Chicago Bears. While Chicago has been adding free agents left and right, they had yet to address one of the biggest needs on their roster. Until now.

The Bears finally addressed the offensive line in free agency with the addition of offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, who has agreed to terms on a one-year deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport,

Ifedi, a former first-round pick by the Seahawks, started 60 games over the last four seasons, playing both guard and tackle. The Seahawks chose not to exercise his fifth-year option, which would’ve gave him $10.3 million in 2020, and he’s found a new home in Chicago.

The Bears are mostly stuck with what they’ve got on the offensive line for another season, but there’s still plenty of work to be done. There’s also a right guard spot up for grabs following Kyle Long’s retirement.

While Ifedi has played mostly offensive tackle during his career, it certainly helps that he has experience moving to guard. He figures to get an opportunity to start at right guard for the Bears in 2020.

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