Chicago Bears free agency: Offensive linemen

Kelechi Osemele, Guard — Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have two of the best offensive guards in the NFL on their line in Marshal Yanda and Kelechi Osemele.

In October, the Ravens signed Yanda to a four-year, $37.4 million extension to keep him from hitting free agency.

They did not do the same for Osemele.

Yanda is 31 and Osemele is 26, so Osemele will certainly receive a higher contract. Seeing that Osemele would command a high contract, the Ravens probably decided that he would not re-sign with Baltimore, so they went with the more sure thing.

Quarterback Joe Flacco is slated to be a $29 million hit on the Ravens’ salary cap, so they may be restricted in how much they can offer. They have about $3.75 million available now, so unless Flacco reworks his deal, and the Ravens cut some other salaries, Osemele will be available.

Osemele is a powerful guard who is one of the best run blockers in the NFL. He can take on rushers at the point of attack and move bodies around.

Osemele is also versatile. He played the last few games in Baltimore at left tackle, the glamour position on the line, and performed well, so he can be an option there as well.

Osemele does not worry himself about the business side of football. “All I really can control is how I play,” Osemele said. “I’m not thinking about leaving or staying or anything. I’m kind of just focused on… playing better football every game and improving every week.”

Osemele would be a good pickup and give the Chicago Bears a tougher, more stable offensive line.

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