The Bears have further fortified their offensive line, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, who tweets that the club has signed veteran offensive lineman Manny Ramirez to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal aren’t yet known.
Ramirez, who entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick in 2007, spent four seasons with the Broncos from 2011 to 2014, so Bears head coach John Fox is very familiar with him from his time in Denver. Ramirez saw his most extensive action as a starter in those seasons, making a total of 43 regular-season starts for the Broncos at center and right guard.
Having joined the Lions for the 2015 campaign, Ramirez played well when he saw the field, and showed a little versatility too. His seven starts for the club last season came at three different positions — center, left guard, and right guard.
For the Bears, it’s possible Ramirez will continue to play that role as the first lineman off the bench at center and guard, contributing when he’s needed. However, the 33-year-old should also have an opportunity to compete for a starting job, with interior linemen Patrick Omameh, Vlad Ducasse, and Will Montgomery all eligible for free agency.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Good for manny. He’s put on some weight since the Red Sox days though