Ex-Bears Lineman Now Available for Reunion After Sudden Release

The Chicago Bears finished the NFL preseason with last week's 34-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, marking a perfect 4-0 finish to the exhibition slate. While the 2024 regular season is shaping up to be one of the Bears' most promising campaigns in recent history, there are still some lingering concerns regarding the offensive line.

Newcomers Coleman Shelton and Jake Curhan are still trying to see where they fit in while rookie blocker Kiran Amegadjie has been banged up this summer. Considering how protecting franchise quarterback Caleb Williams is essential, it might be in the Bears' best interest to shore up the frontline with reinforcements amid these uncertain times.

Fortunately, the perfect option just became available on Monday.

Bears Should Target OT Roy Mbaeteka

As Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline nears, the Cleveland Browns have released offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka, per Orange and Black Report's Brad Stainbrook.

If Mbaeteka's name sounds familiar to Bears fans, it's because it should. The 24-year-old Nigerian blocker made his way to Chicago last offseason as a part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. Even though he didn't make any appearances during the 2023 campaign, the Bears still re-signed Mbaeteka to a future contract in January before releasing him two months later.

Unfortunately, Mbaeteka's Browns stint only lasted less than four months. He appeared in all three of the team's preseason games, surrendering five pressures on 50 passing downs — good for a putrid 25.7 pass block grade on Pro Football Focus.

Even though things didn't work out the first time, it wouldn't hurt the Bears to take another swing at Mbaeteka. The international up-and-comer is a mountain of a man — standing 6-foot-8 while weighing 330 pounds — and doesn't turn 25 until February. If offensive line coach Chris Morgan can take advantage of those physical attributes, Chicago could have a diamond in the rough on its hands.

Besides, Mbaeteka would likely only be a practice squad member in the event of a reunion. Considering how badly the offensive line was ravaged by injuries last year, adding a warm body who's familiar with head coach Matt Eberflus isn't a bad idea.

We'll see if Chicago reunites with Mbaeteka in the coming weeks. For now, the Bears head into their Week 1 matchup as the 4.5-point favorites over the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field, per FanDuel Sportsbook.

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