The Chicago Bears have revamped their roster in the last two years, including letting go of some franchise stalwarts. That includes former starting offensive lineman Cody Whitehair, whom the Bears cut Whitehair earlier this offseason. The move shed salary and parted with a player who underperformed last season and was going into the final year of his contract.
But Whitehair, a Pro Bowler in 2018, has landed on his feet and is in familiar hands in his new anticipated home.
Former Bears Cody Whitehair, Luke Getsy Teaming Up With Raiders
Cody Whithair Reunites With Luke Getsy in Free Agency
?Veteran C/G Cody Whitehair has signed with the #Raiders,? Pro Football Network?s Adam Caplan reported on April 15. ?1 year contract for $2.5 million, $1.4 million gtd, max of $3 million, source said.?
#Bears 3rd & 5: LG Cody Whitehair taps his helmet to make a 5 down call:
OL- will now block the 5 down lineman
RB-will now block any defender outside of the designated 5 down lineman.Great adjustment here by Whitehair & Jones as Shaq Barrett Bails into coverage and now Safety? pic.twitter.com/BV3Euvk4GV
— Jason McKie (@Jmack37) September 18, 2023
The Raiders signed former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy to the same role earlier this offseason, getting him not long after he and the Bears parted ways.
They were a rumored potential trade destination for Justin Fields (Pittsburgh Steelers) but signed Gardner Minshew instead.
Ex-Bear Cody Whitehair Prepares for 2nd Act in AFC
Whitehair should compete for a starting role in an offensive line that ranked 13th in pass blocking and 14th in run blocking last season, per Pro Football Focus. He could be blocking for another familiar face in running back Alexander Mattison, a former Minnesota Viking.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft with the No. 56 overall pick, Whitehair had started every game he appeared in during his Bears tenure.
He?s also been mostly durably, playing a full slate of games in all but two of his eight seasons.
The last two seasons have been a bit of a struggle, though. PFF gave Whitehair two of the three lowest grades in his career in back-to-back years. And the Bears replaced him last offseason, signing Nate Davis in free agency and moving Teven Jenkins over to left guard.
2023 offseason signing Lucas Patrick also reclaimed his intended spot as the starting center, though he remains a free agent.
The Bears added Ryan Bates via trade, signed Coleman Shelton, and returned Doug Kramer.
They could also look to add one of the 2024 class? top prospects at the position, having shown an interest in Oregon?s Jackson Powers-Davis during the pre-draft process. Duke?s Graham Barton or West Virginia?s Zach Frazier could be options in the draft too.
Bears Still Fine-Tuning OL as Free Agency Reaches Late Stages
The Bears? offensive line ranked 23rd in pass blocking and run blocking, per PFF, with Whitehair starting 11 of his 17 appearances.
They will need to improve that for presumed incoming top pick Caleb Williams. That is expected to include adding a center, though Bates has corners of support around the league. And it could include seeking a potential upgrade at left tackle. 2023 fifth-round pick Braxton Jones has been a find at left tackle.
But continued struggles with opponents? bull rush and potential injury concerns after a marred sophomore campaign could see the Bears seek a potential upgrade on the blindside.
There will be plenty of continuity.
Offensive Line Coach Chris Morgan returns on new Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron?s full-loaded staff. The Bears also return three starters in Davis, Jenkins, and 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright at right tackle ? four if Jones retains his starting job.