The four best free agent additions for the Chicago Bears in 2022
By Lee Radke
Chicago Bears Free Agent Acquisition: Lucas Patrick, OC
Predicted by many to be the Bears starting center in 2022, Lucas Patrick brings much-needed experience and talent to this Bears offense. Starting 28 games at both guard and center for Green Bay over the past two seasons, Patrick has valuable power and position versatility on the interior offensive line. Earning a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 61 over the past two seasons, Patrick will be a significant upgrade at center from Sam Mustipher.
Known by teammates and coaches for his football IQ and power, Patrick was a tough and gritty lineman for one of the league’s best offenses in Green Bay. When asked about Patrick by the media, Aaron Rodgers said: “He’s a tough, physical, smart player who, when he’s riding with confidence, can be an elite player at center. I really feel like that.”
Adding a proven starting center who is strong, smart, and can block well in the run game is key for the success of the Bears’ offense. Switching to an outside zone run blocking scheme under Getsy, athleticism in the run blocking game will be a huge point of emphasis when rebuilding the Bears’ offensive line.
If you have watched the Packers or 49ers run the football, you should be excited about the change from Matt Nagy’s inside zone run scheme. Getsy’s outside run scheme will create misdirection in the play-action passing game, and allow Fields to utilize his athleticism more frequently.
This list could obviously change before the end of the offseason, but as of now, these are the top free agents added to the 2022 roster.