GM Ryan Poles claimed several players on the waiver wire last year. He felt his team needed better depth. It worked out pretty well. Of the six players claimed, three became solid contributors during the year. Josh Blackwell and Sterling Weatherford stood out on special teams. Armon Watts helped the defensive line rotation. Now, the Chicago Bears hold the top spot in the waiver priority list with final cuts around the corner. It’s not difficult to think he plans to take full advantage of that.
Predicting his likeliest move has also become easy. When looking at the Bears’ roster coming out of the preseason finale against Buffalo, it is clear they have glaring depth issues on the interior offensive line, especially center. Teven Jenkins’ calf injury has forced Cody Whitehair to move back to left guard. Lucas Patrick still hasn’t returned from his own injury in the past few weeks. Now second-year man Doug Kramer, their former 6th round pick last year, left the game with his arm in a cast.
Even if Patrick returns in time to play Green Bay, there is still a glaring void behind him at center.
The Chicago Bears will target offensive line help.
Center is the obvious focus, but guard and tackle may get some action, too. There isn’t much experience behind the starting five right now. Poles may hope to find some. It depends on what the other teams around the NFL decide to do. History shows there is always at least one notable name that pops loose. Last year, it was guys like O.J. Howard and Anthony Harris. The hope is evident that one of them is an offensive lineman this year. Poles could also force the issue by exploring the trade market.
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Recent news came out that edge rusher Trevis Gipson wants to go elsewhere. Pass rushers always fetch interest on the market, especially when they’re on an affordable contract. Maybe a team in need of rush help has a guard or center they can spare in a player swap. Poles has options. He and the Chicago Bears pro scouting department have a busy next few days ahead of them. Don’t be surprised if several claims are made within the next four days. Offensive line will be at the top of the list.
