The Chicago Bears could be looking to add a three-time Pro Bowler to their offensive line.
Chicago's offense is oozing with talent at the skill positions, especially after the Bears nabbed Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the 2024 NFL Draft and traded for Keenan Allen.
Williams' ability to connect with weapons like Odunze and Allen still depends on the degree to which he is protected in the pocket, however. Chicago knows this, and reinforcements to the O-line are likely on the way.
The Bears have emerged as favorites to sign veteran offensive tackle David Bakhtiari, according to a recent report.
Bakhtiari has played his entire 11-year career in a Green Bay Packers uniform, but he was released by the franchise in March. Bakhtiari was a two-time All-Pro selection and three-time Pro Bowler in Green Bay, but injuries have marred his last three seasons, a span in which he's appeared in just 13 total games.
Still, Bakhtiari at 32 years of age might have a few years left of quality football in him, provided he can get his health back on track.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles could very well be banking on such a scenario, as Chicago has been listed as the most likely team to sign Bakhtiari by BetOnline.
The website puts Chicago at +500 to sign Bakhtiari, with the Kansas City Chiefs at +600, the Baltimore Ravens at +800, and the Dallas Cowboys at +900.
When Bakhtiari was cut by Green Bay in March, he expressed his intention to return to the Packers. Yet, with training camp less than three weeks away, Bakhtiari remains a free agent.
A healthy Bakhtiari would start on Chicago's O-line, creating a possible revenge narrative as the Bears compete with Bakhtiari's former team for position in the NFC North.
Will Poles and the Bears' brass swoop up Bakhtiari before someone else does?
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