Chicago Bears sign OL TJ Clemmings
Chicago Bears sign offensive lineman TJ Clemmings.
The Chicago Bears have a strong starting five across their offensive line.
There aren’t many teams that have a more well-balanced group up front protecting their quarterback and opening holes for the running backs.
Cody Whitehair and James Daniels have shown Pro Bowl level talent. Kyle Long has made multiple Pro Bowls and their tackles, Charles Leno and Bobby Massie, while unpopular with some Bears fans, get the job done week in and week out.
The depth on the offensive line is fair to question. Bradley Sowell has been moved out to tight end. Rashaad Coward has potential to develop into a solid player but he is still very raw and very unproven. Ted Larsen didn’t have much success his first time through Chicago, but this time he’ll be an interior backup and should be serviceable.
The Bears also have some UDFAs vying for spots on the offensive line like Notre Dame product Alex Bars.
With the questions at depth, the Bears wanted to add some more competition to the group and they did by adding TJ Clemmings.
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
Clemmings was a first round-caliber prospect in 2015 but had a stress fracture in his foot. Because of that injury he fell to the fourth round and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings.
Clemmings had two unspectacular years with Minnesota before moving onto the Washington Redskins in 2017 and the Oakland Raiders in 2018.
In both instances, Clemmings season was cut short with leg injuries.
With offensive line coach Harry Hiestand in tow, Ryan Pace is always going to look for reclamation projects to add to the offensive line. Clemmings hasn’t produced like many felt he could at the NFL level. Could he turn it around with the correct coaching?
It’s a no risk signing for the Bears. If Hiestand finds something in him, the Bears find a nice depth piece, if he doesn’t have it, or his leg injuries have impacted his mobility too much, he goes out with the bath water in August.
Next. Khalil Mack featured in awesome Nike commercial. dark
Clemmings is no guarantee to make the roster, and he’s probably no better than 50-50, but if Hiestand can turn him around, the Bears may have added a nice piece to their offensive line.