Last week, there was a report from the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs that rookie offensive lineman Alex Bars had turned down an offer to join the New England Patriots’ 53-man roster in order to remain with the Chicago Bears.
It’s worth noting that, at the time, Bars was still on the Bears’ practice squad, which made it an interesting decision. Ultimately, the Bears gave Bars a raise to stick around.
When speaking with reporters Thursday, Bars confirmed that he did turn down an offer from the Patriots because he felt like he was in a good place with the Bears.
“I felt like the opportunity here in this franchise was greater,” Bars said, via NBC Sports Chicago’s JJ Stankevitz.
Opportunity here being a chance to play his way into a starting job, which isn’t out of the question for Bars moving forward.
Kyle Long was placed on season-ending injured reserve Monday, and there’s a right guard spot that’s up for grabs. While Bars was promoted to the 53-man roster this week — after defensive tackle Akiem Hicks was sent to injured reserve — it’ll likely be converted defensive tackle Rashaad Coward that gets the start Sunday.
But as far as what the future looks like at right tackle, that’s a future starting job Bars would like to play himself into.
