The Chicago Bears wasted no time revamping their offensive line following the NFL combine. Prior to the start of free agency, Chicago traded for offensive guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, two proven veterans who will provide a significant boost to the unit. Then, as soon as free agency started, the Bears signed center Drew Dalman.
On paper, these upgrades should improve the Bears' offensive line from one of the worst to at least middle of the pack. That said, if any of the starters go down, which is likely, the Bears lack offensive line depth right now.
Fortunately, Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles are now hard at work solidifying the backups. On Tuesday, the Bears re-signed Doug Kramer to a one-year contract, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. Although that name sends shivers down Bears fans' spine after last season, bringing him back is inoffensive.
The Bears announce that they have re-signed backup OL/FB Doug Kramer to a one-year contract
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 18, 2025
Bears News: Doug Kramer Remains in Chicago
To this point, the most memorable play in Kramer's Bears tenure is when he fumbled the ball as a fullback on the one-yard line against the Washington Commanders. While that play was a disaster, fans who haven't forgiven Kramer need to. Sure, it was his fault for fumbling, but that play never should have been called in that situation anyway.
Putting the ball in the gut of an offensive lineman down five in the fourth quarter is a horrible coaching decision. A play like that is only worthy of being called when the offense is humming and the team is up multiple scores.
That aside, bringing Kramer back is still a bit surprising. The former sixth-round pick was the third-string center in his first two seasons and was the backup this year. Yet, through all of Coleman Shelton's struggles, Kramer was never inserted in at center.
Therefore, the previous coaching staff must not thought highly of the 26-year-old. Be that as it may, this new contract proves that the new regime believes Kramer can be a backup center. As long as he's kept away from being a fullback, Bears fans should embrace rooting for Kramer in 2025.