Chicago Bears – Remaining Free Agents (O-Line)

Swing (G/T)

The Bears appear willing to let former swing lineman Eben Britton go in free agency and they have 2nd year players Michael Ola and Charles Leno Jr who can handle both positions. It’s unknown how the new regime feels about either player though, so the Bears may be looking to add another versatile swing lineman.

G/T Jah Reid, Ravens (27 | 6’7 | 327) – Former 3rd round pick in 2011 who has had trouble getting on the field due to injuries and a strong Ravens O-line. Reid started 8 games at left guard in 2012 and was expected to start at right tackle last season but was beat out by surprising 2nd year player Ricky Wagner who finished as the 3rd best RT in the NFL according to PFF. Reid has ideal right tackle size with surprising agility and very long arms (34 5/8″), he just hasn’t had a chance to play the position he’s best suited for. With the Bears using sub-par options at right tackle last season (Mills, Ola), I could see them bringing in Reid as competition.

G/T Ben Ijalana – 26, Colts (6’4 | 317): Quick feet, extremely long arms, and large hands that he uses well to control blockers once he latches on. Despite his raw technique, I expected Ijalana to develop into a dominant guard in the pros as did the Colts who traded up to draft him in the 2nd round of the 2011 draft. Unfortunately, Ijalana missed his rookie year with an ACL tear and then tore it again in training camp before his second season. The Colts waived him before the 2013 season and he was claimed by the Jets. The Jets have a strong O-line and Ijalana wasn’t able to crack the lineup. He has only played 6 snaps in his 4-year NFL career. Ijalana is a long shot and may have lost some of his quickness and explosion after the two ACL injuries, but the guy I saw on tape coming out of college is a starting quality NFL guard or right tackle.