Dakota Dozier is switching NFC North teams. The Bears are signing the offensive lineman, according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (on Twitter).
[RELATED: Bears To Sign OL Lucas Patrick]
Dozier spent the past three seasons with the Vikings, including a 2020 campaign where he started all 16 games without missing an offensive snap. Despite his role, he was cut following the 2021 preseason. He ended up spending the majority of last season on Minnesota’s practice squad, with his six appearances all coming on special teams. The Vikings told the lineman after the season that they wouldn’t be re-signing him, per Tomasson.
The former fourth-round pick spent the beginning of his career with the Jets, starting seven of his 38 games in four years with the organization.
In Chicago, Dozier will likely compete for a backup role on the offensive line. Chicago added fellow lineman Lucas Patrick on a two-year deal last week.
Bears sign an ex-Vike so now they have intel on the offense of a team they play twice a year.
Vikes sign an ex-Packer so now they have intel on the defense of a team they play twice a year.
AND SO IT GOES…..
That’s the way teams operated a few decades ago but now the problem is an over abundance of intel and data. A determined coach could probably learn what the opposing players had for lunch last week and how many cups of Gatorade they consume each season.
I am not sure it really applies for Dozier “having intel” with the Vikings offense. It is going to be completely new next year.
Depth is good… but hoping to see a more impactful OL signing by the Bears the off season. And at WR too.
They don’t have the cap space to add huge contracts and I understand they’re rebuilding a bit here… but they also need to give Fields something to work with if they want him to develop properly.
Georgie, you signed another backup???
How bad are the Bears if they’re touting this signing. Dude was the worst rated O lineman in 2020, per PFF. Couldnt even get on the field in 2021. Sheesh