The Chicago Bears finally signed an offensive lineman, although it wasn’t a big name that many fans were probably hoping for. The Bears are expected to sign Lucas Patrick, which addresses some interior offensive line concerns.
Patrick’s deal is for two years worth up to $8 million with $4 million guaranteed in his first season. It was general manager Ryan Poles’ first offensive move since the start of the free agency period.
There’s an obvious connection between Patrick and new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy during their time in Green Bay, which is encouraging considering Patrick knows Getsy’s scheme.
The first word that jumps out about Patrick is versatility, as he has experience playing both guard and center. Right now, it’s a matter of where Poles sees Patrick fitting on this offensive line.
As you can imagine, NFL fans had plenty to say about Patrick’s pending signing. There was excitement from Bears fans about how being a “brawler” and some skepticism. But the fact that a lot of Packers fans were sad to see him go — and raved about him — was certainly encouraging.
Packers have drafted a bunch of linemen recently, so it’s understandable. But Patrick is a classic “compete to the echo of the whistle” brawler who can play anywhere along the interior. Sad to see him go.
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) March 16, 2022
I like the Lucas Patrick signing. Especially at the price we got him at. #Bears
— Sky Kruse (@KruseSports_) March 16, 2022
OL signings are boring. Especially interior linemen. But it’s usually a good sign if you don’t know a veteran IOL’s name.
Similar to DBs the praise:blame ratio for OL is skewed towards the negative.
Other than Quenton Nelson there’s few IOL rock stars I can think of
— Nate Atkins (@Nate_Atkins3) March 16, 2022
A smart center who knows the offense is a young quarterback’s best friend. That’s who Lucas Patrick is, and that’s who he’ll be for Justin Fields. #Bears
— Bryan Perez (@BryanPerezNFL) March 16, 2022
“Lucas Patrick is a guy that you can always count on.” – Matt LaFleur
“You take a play off against him, he’s going to dump you.” – Kenny Clark
“You know he’s going to be in the right position at all times and doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing.” – Aaron Rodgers https://t.co/sP4RiZ3sNa
— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) March 16, 2022
Patrick was a guy who came in with little fanfare and just worked and battled and turned himself into a solid starter. I’ll miss him, good pickup for Chicago. https://t.co/lUotUE7iic
— LempsMKE (@itsjustChrisnow) March 16, 2022
From the looks of it, our new Alex Bars. Not a world-beater, but can play multiple spots on the OL and knows Getsy’s scheme. Good pickup for depth. https://t.co/45j6dU21i6
— Joseph Herff (@JosephHerffNFL) March 16, 2022
Gives the #Bears flexibility heading into the draft. Patrick can start if he has to but he probably won’t be handed the job. Hopefully he competes with an early round pick and another signing. https://t.co/LjmhIARUfJ
— 🐻 (@ChiCity3451) March 16, 2022
Lucas Patrick gives the Bears a versatile lineman after James Daniels’ departure to Pittsburgh. Played center and both guard positions in Green Bay. Solid pickup for Ryan Poles as he reshapes the Bears’ offensive line. https://t.co/qjoTGVuuMq
— Larry Hawley (@HawleySports) March 16, 2022
Poles not making “splashy” moves as of now. Not mad about it at all either, he has a vision for this team and it’s not gonna come within a blink of an eye. I’d imagine he would wait till next year when we have A LOT more money to spend on big names not to mention the draft. https://t.co/uSWFuzvtG9
— Anonymous Ray (@OneAnonymousRay) March 16, 2022
Wave 2 and 3 it is. Sadly this was chalk as it comes. Getsy means GB connections follow him. Patrick is a fine OL. Not really a guy I’d feel comfortable starting but a solid depth piece nonetheless.
It’s official Bears fans. The wall starts getting built for Justin Fields now. https://t.co/haaemts96y pic.twitter.com/T1byswA1jJ
— Jordan Silveira (@JordanTSilveira) March 16, 2022
This is a signing I’ve been projecting for the #Bears for quite awhile. Patrick is a solid player that can start at all 3 IOL positions and obviously will know Getsy’s scheme having played for him in GB https://t.co/UCuKjGq0GO
— Andrew Freeman (@AjFreeman25) March 16, 2022
Like this move. Everyone panicking at the Bears pack of moves… But this off-season it’s smarter to be selective than go out on a FA shopping spree. Bears don’t want to take on potentially bad contracts or risky signings. Smart, depth move. Adds a good layer to the O-Line https://t.co/CSu00yE3rN
— Gavin (@Gavin_IL) March 16, 2022
Love this. Extremely versatile, can play guard or center. Never takes penalties and plays with high energy, saving around 4.5AAV vs re-signing Daniels. Good value play from Poles https://t.co/1m1oVPybfX
— chop (@themindoflucas) March 16, 2022
Today we thank the father, the son, and the holy spirit, that the Chicago Bears finally signed an offensive lineman…even though he’s just a back up. https://t.co/prljMrGOlV
— Murray Brothers Fan Account (@AusB66) March 16, 2022
