The Chicago Bears are going to need to sign a center this offseason, considering it is one of their biggest positions of need. There are plenty of options available, but one of the most realistic for the team may be Aaron Brewer, formerly of the Tennessee Titans.
Why does the Chicago Bears signing Aaron Brewer in free agency this offseason make too much sense?
Brewer was a UDFA back in 2020 and made one start at left guard. Brewer started in five games the following year, playing both left and right guard. In 2021, he became a full-time starter at left guard, but an injury caused him to take 123 snaps at center. His play in that year gave the Titans confidence to start him at center for the entirety of the 2023 season.
Overall, Brewer has 1,299 snaps at left guard, 1,185 snaps at center, and 209 snaps at right guard. Last year, he played 1,049 snaps at center, and it was the best year of his career. The odds are that he will hit free agency looking for a starting center job.
Brewer may be getting away from Tennessee, too, when you consider the massive coaching changes. He only played for Mike Vrabel during his career. Last year, his offensive line coach was Jason Houghtaling. This year, Houghtaling is the assistant offensive line coach for the Chicago Bears.
Hougtaling was with Brewer for the last three years, so he saw him develop into a starter, and last year, Houghtaling helped him make the move to a starting center. If Brewer wants to stick with the familiarity, the Chicago Bears are going to be high on his list. You also know this is a great scheme fit.
More than that, the Chicago Bears have some of the most cap space in the NFL this offseason. PFF has him projected for a three-year, $20M deal, which would be about $6.6M per year. The Bears saved over $9M by releasing Cody Whitehair, so they could give Brewer this deal and still have money left over from that savings.
Do not be surprised if the Chicago Bears make Aaron Brewer a priority and sign him on the first day of free agency.