What the Chicago Bears’ first 5 free agent signings bring to the table
By Ryan Heckman
What Lucas Patrick brings to the Chicago Bears
With plenty of free agent linemen out there this year, the Bears went a highly-affordable route by signing Lucas Patrick. He comes to the Bears after agreeing to a 2-year deal worth $8 million. For just $4 million annually, Patrick is an absolute steal.
One thing we should all understand about Patrick is that he knows how to protect a quarterback, and that’s something Poles has his eye on. Justin Fields needs guys in front of him who take pride in pass protection, and Patrick finished with ESPN’s third-best pass blocking win rate in 2021 among all centers.
Not only can Patrick play center, but he has experience at guard, too. He brings athleticism to the line as well, which is something Eberflus has expressed desire in finding for his next linemen.
At 28 years old, Patrick is in the thick of his prime and, by the time he’s played out this contract, will be just 30 years old. He could have plenty of football left in him and, hopefully, he’s become an integral piece to the Bears’ offensive line.