Natalia Chi
The Bears still have a lot to learn about their offensive line, but it looks like plans are taking shape to place rookie Nate Davis at left guard and shift Cody Whitehair to center.
General manager Ryan Pauls said the potential was spontaneous when discussing Davis, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract. He said it would be no problem to move to the left side.
“We’re going to put the best five out there,” said Pauls. “There’s some flexibility and there are a few conversations Cody could work with at the Center. He’s got about 4,000 snaps out there.” [and] We had a good season. So we move it little by little. “
Whitehair was the Bears’ starting center for his first three seasons, playing in parts of 2019 and 2020.
These two spots have been penciled in for now, but the other three spots still seem wide open.
Asked about left tackle Braxton Jones, who earned a fifth-round pick from Southern Utah, Pauls said the team could “create competition” at the position.
One of the Bears’ options was to acquire four-time left tackle Orlando Brown in the Pro Bowl as a free agent. Not only is his talent proven, but he is available at a price well below his expected market value, with the Bengals signing him to a four-year, $64 million deal.
Pauls, who was with Brown in Kansas City in 2021, said it wouldn’t suit him for a “scheme match.” The Bears are looking for a leaner, more athletic player at left tackle.
