Chicago Bears 2023 Free Agency Profile: OT Riley Reiff

Anyone who follows the Chicago Bears knows that this offseason, the team has a couple of clear areas they need to improve.

General manager Ryan Poles is a former offensive lineman himself, and after watching the way Justin Fields took a beating last season, he has to know his number one priority this spring. It’s without a doubt the offensive line.

Sure, defensive line and wide receiver are an issue, among other positions. But, this offensive line has to be completely overhauled, and that begins in free agency.

Last year, the Bears signed veteran tackle Riley Reiff to a team-friendly deal worth $3 million for one year. Now, Reiff enters free agency once again.

Should the Chicago Bears re-sign offensive tackle Riley Reiff?

The 34-year-old Reiff played in nine meaningful games a year ago for the Bears; meaning, games he played more than 10 snaps in total.

He did fine on occasion, but was nothing more than mediocre on most days. Reiff was okay in pass protection, earning a grade of 67.0 from Pro Football Focus in that area. When it came to run blocking, though, he was less than stellar, earning a grade of just 59.1.

Chicago has one offensive tackle locked-in as a starter for 2023, and it should come as no surprise that it’s second-year pro Braxton Jones. To be frank, the Bears are lucky that Jones worked out so well. As a fifth-round pick, Jones was more of a dart throw by Poles than anything.

Now, with Teven Jenkins likely sticking at guard, the Bears will have a ton of work to do at tackle. But, that cannot include re-signing Reiff. If the Bears were to bring him back on a very team-friendly deal, meaning more of a minimum contract, then he could be a solid depth piece or even just a camp body.

But, overall, the Bears have to get younger up front. Reiff is getting up there in age and the Bears cannot afford to count on him as more than just a reserve going forward, should he actually be re-signed.