The Bears have professed contentment with their offensive line this offseason, but that didn’t stop them from signing a veteran guard on Wednesday.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that the Bears have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free agent guard Chilo Rachal. Rachal was drafted in the second round of the 2008 Draft by the 49ers and he’s spent his entire career with San Francisco until now. Financial terms of the deal aren’t known.
Rachal started 38 of the 55 games he played for the Niners, but lost his starting job at right guard early last season. He had a stronger 2010 season, particularly as a run blocker, and makes for a decent rebound bet by a Bears team that has nothing to lose by bringing him into the mix. Chris Spencer’s hold on the right guard spot should be challenged and Rachal should be able to push him over the summer.
With Rachal on board, the Bears could still look for other options inside during the draft or they may focus on finding a better left tackle than J’Marcus Webb.