Chicago Bears Free Agent Profiles: Roberto Garza

Oct 20, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears center Roberto Garza (63) on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEX Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Roberto Garza

2013 Cap Hit: $2.1 Million

2013 Grade: Garza actually graded out quite well for the Bears, despite a lot of people thinking that he was the “weak link” on the revamped Bears offensive line.  Garza graded out as a +7.2 for the Bears, which was good for 7th best on the Bears offense and 12th best in the league.  Only Matt Slauson graded out higher on the Bears offensive line.

Pros: Jay Cutler has a nice familiarity with Garza’s backside.  Garza has been very durable, starting all but two games since 2006.  Garza provides stability and a quite, understated leadership for the line.  There’s not much of an understudy in the pipeline, unless you consider Taylor Boggs, whom the Bears just resigned to a 1 year deal, as a replacement for Garza.

Cons: Garza will be 35 when the 2014 season starts. There might be a little tread left on the tires, but not much.

Potential suitors: Mike Tice landed in Atlanta and already brought back former pupil Gabe Carimi.  Garza could kick back to guard to compete with Carimi.  Garza’s versatility could be a valuable asset to any team as a swing lineman and his experience would allow him to step into a starting role in a pinch.

Bottom Line: Garza could be brought back on a low money deal, but if he’s brought back the Bears need to start developing a youngster behind Garza.