Chicago Bears may have snatched their starting RG with new addition

Over the last few months, the Chicago Bears have slowly reinvented their offensive line.

One of their additions this offseason, veteran Dakota Dozier, was supposed to come in and compete with Sam Mustipher at right guard.

However, Dozier suffered an ACL injury that put him out for the season, leaving just Mustipher as the primary guy at the position.

Monday, though, the Bears signed veteran lineman Michael Schofield just before training camp is set to kick off. Schofield comes to the Bears by way of the Los Angeles Chargers, and figures to plug right in.

Playing the long game and finally signing Michael Schofield could work out well for the Chicago Bears.

Any Bears fan will tell you that the lack of focus on the offensive line this offseason has been upsetting. General manager Ryan Poles has been patient, instead of aggressive, in remaking the line.

At the moment, Chicago could be set to start a combination of Teven Jenkins, Larry Borom or rookie Braxton Jones at tackle, with Lucas Patrick at center and Cody Whitehair at left guard.

Schoefield’s experience as a starting lineman in this league is huge for a somewhat younger group. But, it’s not just his experience. Schofield brings the number one thing this team should be looking for in offensive linemen: pass protection.

Look, the Bears need guys to protect their young, franchise quarterback in Justin Fields. Schofield knows exactly what it’s like to block for a young, mobile, franchise quarterback coming from the Chargers where he protected Justin Herbert.

His pass-blocking grade from a year ago checks in at number 9 overall among 80 qualifying guards. Maybe his run-blocking needs work. But, we know he’ll be able to protect the quarterback. And that’s what this team should be built around.

The 31-year-old is also a native of Orland Park, IL meaning he will be coming home to play for a team he grew up around. What better way to continue a career?

Waiting and being patient may just pay off for the Bears, now, who in all likelihood were just missing that surefire starting guard. Once the competition at tackle shakes out, this line could actually end up being a lot better than some think it will — certainly better than we might have thought back in March.

Schofield is a low-risk signing who should come in right away and take over that starting right guard spot. This might be an otherwise mediocre signing, but for the Bears, it means quite a lot.