Longtime Bears Starter Embarks on New Journey Alongside Familiar face
"Former Chicago Bears Lineman Finds Fresh Start in Las Vegas Alongside Familiar Faces"
Cody Whitehair, a seasoned offensive lineman who spent eight NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears, is embarking on a new chapter in his career. Released by the Bears in February, Whitehair has now found a new home with the Las Vegas Raiders, signing a one-year contract worth $2.5 million, with $1.4 million guaranteed, according to a report by Pro Football Network's Adam Caplan.
At 31 years old, Whitehair brings a wealth of experience to the Raiders. During his tenure in Chicago, he earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2018 and played in 124 games, starting in 118 of them. Now, he reunites with former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, who joined the Raiders coaching staff in the same role.
Getsy and Whitehair worked closely together in Chicago for the past two seasons, fostering a strong rapport that will likely benefit the Raiders' offensive line. While Whitehair faced challenges in his final season with the Bears, including a career-low overall grade from Pro Football Focus, his versatility and durability have been consistent strengths throughout his career.
Although Whitehair encountered difficulties snapping the ball and saw a decline in his performance, his ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line remains valuable. Throughout his time in Chicago, he accumulated significant playing time at left guard, center, and right guard, showcasing his adaptability and reliability.
The Bears' decision to release Whitehair, along with veteran safety Eddie Jackson, was part of a strategic move to allow them to explore opportunities in the market, according to Bears general manager Ryan Poles. Despite his departure, Whitehair expressed gratitude to the Bears organization and his teammates for the memorable experiences and friendships he forged during his time in Chicago.
As Whitehair transitions to his new role with the Raiders, the Bears are preparing for the future of their offensive line. Teven Jenkins is expected to step into the left guard position for the upcoming season, with veteran lineman Matt Pryor providing depth behind him. However, questions remain about the depth at the position, signaling a potential need for further additions through the draft or free agency.
With Whitehair's departure, both the Bears and the Raiders are poised for new beginnings, as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the NFL landscape.
| POLL | ||
16 AVRIL | 34 ANSWERS Longtime Bears Starter Embarks on New Journey Alongside Familiar face Are you excited to see Cody Whitehair's reunion with Luke Getsy on the Raiders' offensive line? | ||
| Yes | 5 | 14.7 % |
| No | 29 | 85.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
