The Bears signed Nate Chandler to improve their offensive line depth earlier this offseason, but the former Panther opted to retire from the NFL in July.
They’ll turn to former Steelers tackle Mike Adams instead. The Bears announced Wednesday that they have signed Adams and waived offensive lineman Nick Becton.
Adams was released by the Steelers in May, ending a run in Pittsburgh that started when the team made him a second-round pick in the 2012 draft. Adams played in 41 games and started 20 over his first three years, but missed all of last season with a back injury.
The Bears currently have Charles Leno as the starter at left tackle and Bobby Massie on the right side of the line. Adams joins Garry Williams as backup options with experience as starters earlier in their careers.