The Chicago Bears re-signed Germain Ifedi to a one-year, $5 million deal. The news was not much of a surprise, and as Ifedi started to play his best football at right tackle after week 12. The report of the signing noted that the Ifedi found himself towards the end of the season, which lines up with the idea that he is no longer looked at as a guard option, but more a right tackle with the versatility to kick inside.
The #Bears are bringing back versatile OL Germain Ifedi on a 1-year worth up to $5M, source said. He found himself at the end of the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 17, 2021
So, the Chicago Bears let go of Massie, who was set to make $9 million and instead give $5 million to Ifedi. Of course, Massie has a $2 million dead cap. It also does not mean Ifedi is locked into starting. However, the Bears could not enter the draft with their right tackle spot completely empty, so bringing back Ifedi, who is familiar with the scheme can help.
While Ifedi is penciled into the starting lineup at the moment, this does not prevent the Bears from drafting right tackle, even as early as round one. Still, it does put them in a position where they do not have to force anything. It also clears up a lot of things on their offensive line.
Entering the season, the Chicago Bears typically carry eight or nine linemen on the final roster. Charles Leno, James Daniels, Cody Whitehair, Sam Mustupher, and Germain Ifedi are the starting five, and Alex Bars is the sixth swing guard. From there, they have Lachavious Simmons and Arlington Hambright, their two late-round picks from last year.
That gives them the eight they need. Now, they can add with another veteran or the more likely path of the NFL draft. Someone like Simmons very well could have another practice squad year in him. Beyond that, they should feel free to upgrade at any position right now, especially with the versatility of Cody Whitehair.
However, for right now, Ifedi is a starter at right tackle.