Considering the Possibility of a Free Agent Guard

Brad Biggs at the Chicago Tribune answers your questions:

“Can you name one or two under-the-radar free agents similar to Pernell McPhee that the Bears may be targeting? — @BearsFanPete

“I don’t know that the McPhee signing was totally under the radar last season. He was regarded as an up-and-coming player with the Ravens who was ready for a bigger role. Chiefs defensive end Jaye Howard emerged as a pretty good player the last two seasons when he was thrust into a starting role. He could make sense for the Bears in free agency and probably will not come cheaply. If the Bears are seeking a veteran to add to the offensive line, Steelers guard Ramon Foster could be an attractive target but he’s already 30. I’m not sure if the Bears will be in the market for a veteran safety but both Bengals starters Reggie Nelson and George Iloka are coming out of contract and have been productive players.”

Though I don’t know how “under the radar” it would be, my first thought was about the guard position. Admittedly, this is a place where you’d typically think draft but the free agent class is deep and general manager Ryan Pace comes from the Saints, an organization that believes in emphasizing strength up the middle on the offensive line. He may think paying a free agent guard would be worth the money.

Some possible names of younger players to keep in mind that you may or may not be familiar with include Houston’s Brandon Brooks and Jeff Allen from Kansas City. Though he’s 33 years old and, therefore, not the kind of signing I would typically expect at this stage, Pro Bowler Richie Incognito redeemed himself last year with Buffalo and he’ll hit the market.

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