Bears Ink Experienced Offensive Tackle Linked to Newly Appointed OC Shane Waldron
The Chicago Bears continue to bolster their offensive tackle depth for the 2024 season, this time by adding a veteran with a direct connection to new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron from their shared time with the Seattle Seahawks.
On Monday, March 18, the Bears announced the signing of former Seahawks offensive tackle Jake Curhan to a one-year contract. Curhan becomes the second veteran depth addition at the position following the signing of former San Francisco 49ers role player Matt Pryor on March 13.
During his four starts at right tackle for the Seahawks in 2023, Curhan allowed three sacks and 22 pressures, earning a pass-blocking grade of 39.2 from Pro Football Focus. However, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 330 pounds, he has showcased promise as a run blocker and boasts experience at both guard positions. With his familiarity with Waldron's offensive system, Curhan stands a chance at securing a spot on the Bears' 53-man roster in 2024.
In addition to Curhan, the Bears also addressed their defensive trenches on Monday by signing former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Byron Cowart to a one-year deal. A former fifth-round pick for the New England Patriots, Cowart provides further depth and has accumulated one sack and 13 pressures over 691 career defensive snaps at both tackle and end positions.
With the recent signings, the Bears have now added 13 outside free agents, extended contracts for three players from last year's roster, and acquired two veterans via trade since the beginning of March. Notably, a third of these additions are offensive or defensive linemen, including centers Coleman Shelton and Ryan Bates, as well as defensive end Jake Martin.
Meanwhile, despite these moves, the Bears still face a pressing need for a No. 2 edge rusher opposite star Montez Sweat. While they added Martin and retained DeMarcus Walker, the lack of a proven pass-rushing threat remains unaddressed. As the draft approaches, the Bears may look to use their No. 9 overall pick to secure one of the top pass rushers in the 2024 class, such as Dallas Turner from Alabama, Laiatu Latu from UCLA, or Jared Verse from Florida State.
In a minor roster adjustment, the Bears released Nigerian offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka from their 90-man roster on March 15. Mbaeteka, who was part of the NFL International Pathway Program and spent the 2023 season on the practice squad as a developmental player, had been signed to a reserve/future contract for the 2024 season in January. However, his release now makes him a free agent.
| POLL | ||
19 MARS | 160 ANSWERS Bears Ink Experienced Offensive Tackle Linked to Newly Appointed OC Shane Waldron Do you trust Shane Waldron? | ||
| Yes | 117 | 73.1 % |
| No | 43 | 26.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
