March 06--Part of a position-by-position preview of where the Bears stand entering free agency on Tuesday.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Signed for 2015: Kyle Long, Jermon Bushrod, Roberto Garza, Matt Slauson, Jordan Mills, Michael Ola, Charles Leno, Jason Weaver, Conor Boffeli.
Expiring contracts: Eben Britton, Brian de la Puente.
Top-shelf free agents: Mike Iupati, Bryan Bulaga.
On the bargain rack: Dan Connolly, Orlando Franklin, Ryan Harris, Daryn Colledge, Doug Free, Willie Colon.
Position synopsis: Injuries ravaged the O-line in 2014 with the five opening-day starters completing only one full game together (Week 7 vs. Dolphins). Bushrod, Garza, Slauson and Mills combined to miss 20 games in all, providing yet another reminder of the need for quality depth up front. The Bears shouldn't fool themselves into a sense of security with their current line and would be wise to use both free agency and the draft to bolster things. Garza, signed to a one-year extension in December, will turn 36 this month and is no guarantee to make the roster. So center should be a priority.
