Heading into the offseason, the Bears knew that offensive line was a major concern that needed to be addressed. Which is why it was a surprise that Chicago didn’t make any moves during the early wave of free agency.
The Bears finally addressed offensive line with the free-agent signing of former first-round draft pick Germain Ifredi. Chicago essentially signed Ifredi to a one-year prove it deal.
And, considering Ifredi’s struggles in Seattle, he certainly has a lot to prove if he wants a future in Chicago.
Here are five things to know about the Bears newest offensive lineman:
1. Ifedi is another first-round bust signed by Bears
Ryan Pace hasn’t found much luck with his own first-round selections (see: Kevin White, Leonard Floyd, Mitchell Trubisky). So, instead, he’s turning to other team’s failed first-round picks in hopes that they’ll find new life in Chicago.
Ifedi is the latest first-round selection that didn’t earn a second contract from his original team, joining the likes of new cornerback Artie Burns and outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo.
Ifedi was selected by the Seahawks with the 31st selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, and he’s been one of the more polarizing guys on the roster. After Seattle declined to pick up his fifth-year option ahead of the 2019 season, everyone knew the writing was on the wall in regards to his future with the Seahawks.
2. Ifedi has played both guard and tackle
Ifedi started his NFL career as a right guard in 2016, but he transitioned to right tackle, where he played most of his career with the Seahawks. Similar to his time at Texas A&M, where Ifedi played at right guard before moving to right tackle.
While Ifedi’s production is questionable, his versatility certainly serves to make him an asset on the Bears. Ifedi joins a Chicago offensive line coming off a disappointing season, but also one that struggled with injuries last season.
Given the injuries at guard and tackle last season for the Bears, Ifedi’s versatility could certainly come in handy should those struggles continue.
3. Ifedi is among the most-penalized players in the NFL
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but the Bears have an offensive lineman that’s a glutton for penalties. And, no, I’m not talking about Charles Leno Jr., who himself had 12 penalties in 2019. That was tied for fifth most in the NFL.
You know who else had 12 penalties last season? Chicago’s newest offensive lineman Germain Ifedi.
During his four-year career, Ifedi has accrued 46 penalties in 60 career regular-season games. At this point, you wonder who will win the title of most-penalized Bears offensive lineman. Place your bets now, folks. Are you taking Leno or Ifedi?
4. While his play his been questionable, he’s managed to stay healthy
While Ifedi’s production has been lackluster, especially when it comes to pass protection, the one area that he’s been solid in has been his durability. Ifedi has missed just four games out of 64 since he entered the NFL in 2016.
The Bears offensive line dealt with injuries on the right side last season. Right guard Kyle Long lasted just four games before he landed on injured reserve, where he was ultimately replaced by Rashaad Coward for the duration of the season. Right tackle Bobby Massie also suffered what ended up being a season-ending high-ankle sprain against the Giants in Week 12. Cornelius Lucas played in relief of Massie.
Considering the Bears’ injury struggles on the offensive line last season, Ifedi’s durability figures to make him an asset heading into 2020.
5. He’ll compete for the starting right guard job
While four spots on Chicago’s offensive line are locked up, there is a vacancy at right guard. Ifedi has played most of his NFL career as a right tackle, but given his experience at the guard position, he’ll certainly compete for the starting right guard spot.
Ifedi’s signing doesn’t necessarily rule out the Bears targeting an offensive guard in the NFL Draft. Not to mention, Chicago also has Alex Bars waiting in the wings.
