Chicago Bears Make Signing Orlando Pace A Priority

According to an NFL source the Bears have made signing free agent LT Orlando Pace a priority.

If he joins the team they plan on putting him at left tackle and moving last year's first round pick Chris Williams to right tackle.

Orlando Pace's Agent Kennard McGuire said Pace "had a very good and productive" visit. McGuire declined to discuss specifics in relation to a contract offer.

Chris Williams is versatile enough to play either tackle spot, which is why the Bears would be able to move him to the right side.

If, Pace signs that opens up a competition between recently signed Kevin Shaffer and Chris Williams at right tackle. Also, Frank Omiyale would be able to compete at his natural position LG.

According to Bears sources, the Bears aren't concerned about Pace's injury issues the last couple of seasons.

Even with the signing of future hall of famer Orlando Pace, the Bears still will address the tackle position in this month's NFL Draft, but they won't need to do it in the first round.

Shaffer Signed: Bears Add Depth to O-line

The Bears have signed veteran offensive lineman Kevin Shaffer to a three year, eight million dollar contract.

The 29 year old Shaffer has played in 100 games, starting 81 with the Atlanta Falcons and the Cleveland Browns.

The Bears were unable to sign John St. Clair a week ago, after he signed with Shaffer's former team the Cleveland Browns.

The Bears got the better part of the "swap", because Shaffer is younger and has more experience than the 32 year old St. Clair, who was going to be replaced soon or later.

The 6'5" Shaffer started 47 of 48 games, 31 at right tackle and 16 at left tackle in his three seasons with the Browns.

This not only shows Shaffer durability, but also his chances at becoming the starter at right tackle.

There is nothing bad about this move, Shaffer helps the thin Bears offensive line, and recently signed Frank Omiyale can now compete at LG with Josh Beekman.


This is what Shaffer had to say about the signing:

''I am glad we were able to work something out, it's something we were talking about for a while, and I am definitely excited.

''The goal is to come in and win a starting job. We haven't talked too much about that, but when I get there, I want to show them what I can do. I have always been a hard worker, and I am in a situation where I am going to prove myself.''

all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Frank "the Tank" Omiyale: What Does He do for the Bears' Offensive Line?

The Bears recently signed a little known offensive lineman named Frank Omiyale (OH-mee-YEL).

So far Frank "the Tank" Omiyale's highlights of his career have been these two things:

1) On October 5, 2008, Omiyale made his first NFL regular season start, replacing the injured left tackle Jordan Gross who was out with a concussion.

2) Omiyale signed a four-year, $14 million deal with the Chicago Bears on February 27, 2009.

Omiyale was asked why he chose Da Bears:

“Because it’s the Bears. I’ve heard a lot about the tradition here. From talking to other players around the league, I know it’s a family-oriented organization, so that’s what really made it attractive.”

Omiyale sounds like a Chicago Bear to me.

With the retirement of John Tait and John St. Clair maybe not returning, I have come up with the Bears starters at the o-line:

LT- Chris Williams (The Bears' 14th overall in last year's draft, was injured for most of the season).

LG- Josh Beekman (He started all 16 games for the Bears last season and did a solid job, some say he might take over at center once Olin Kreutz retires).

C- Olin Kreutz (The soon to be 32 year old, struggled at times last season, but still can be the pro bowl player he was three seasons ago).

RG- Roberto Garza (31 year old lineman was shaky at times through last season, and Bears' GM Jerry Angelo has said Frank Omiyale could compete with Garza at RG if John St. Clair doesn't resign).

RT- Frank Omiyale (From what you read above, Omiyale is very inexperienced, but many Panthers players have said he was overshadowed by Pro Bowler Jordan Gross).

Backups:

G- Dan Buenning a reserve lineman for the Bears last season could be in the mix with Garza for the starting RG job.

G- Terrence Metcalf- was suspended for four games last season and has struggled at times when he was able to start.

LS- Patrick Mannelly- Strictly a long snapper, but is listed at center.

T- Cody Balogh- spent all last season on the practice squad last season.

G- Tyler Reed- also spent all last season on the practice squad.

quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Bears making little noise in Free Agency

The Bears signed little known offensive tackle Frank Omiyale to a four-year contract on Friday.

The deal is worth between $11.5 and $14 million for Omiyale, who played with the Carolina Panthers last season.

Omiyale's agent Mark Slough spoke about Omiyale:

``What people need to understand is he was backing up a Pro Bowler in Jordan Gross, there are a heck of a lot of left tackles in the NFL who would back up Jordan Gross.

``It's unfair to say Frank is a backup. Plus, there were 10 or 11 teams that were expressing interest in Frank.''

Omiyale, 26, appeared in 10 games last season with one start. He can play both guard and tackle.

The 6-foot-4-inch, 310-pound Omiyale entered the NFL as a fifth-round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bears have expressed interest in bringing back RB Kevin Jones.

Jones said this about his future:

''I've been telling you all along, and you may have thought, 'This kid is crazy,' during last year, I want to come back to the Bears, I like the staff; I like all the teammates. If you want an example of what an NFL team should be like, the coaching staff, everything, that's it. I'd love to be back, but sometimes business gets in the way."

"It's a negotiation process, and I am making sure I am in the right situation. The Bears expressed interest and I want to be back, but we've got to hammer out the paperwork. We'll see what happens.''

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that there is a mutual interest between the Bears and veteran safety Darren Sharper.

Sharper had this to say about the possibility of playing for the Bears:

"There's definitely a lot of interest, first, they're in the NFC North, which I've grown accustomed to. They have a great defense. And they're on the cusp of getting back to the Super Bowl. It's a great organization. And it's great to draw some interest from them."

all quotes from chicagotribune.com

What do I think?

I think bringing in some depth at the offensive line was a must, but I don't know much about this Omiyale guy.

According to sources Omiyale was wanted by ten other teams.

He better be good for the amount of money we gave him.

Bringing Kevin Jones back wouldn't be a bad move, but I don't see the Bears overpaying for him.

The Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have all expressed interest in Kevin Jones.

Bringing in Darren Sharper would definitely fill the void at FS.

I have liked this guy for a long time, but I don't know how much he has left in the tank at age 34.

Expect the Bears to make a move for a wide receiver soon.

My favorites would be Nate Washington of the Steelers and Laveranues Coles of the New York Jets.