The Bears have signed veteran offensive lineman Dylan Gandy to a one-year deal, the team announced on Twitter. The team also waived rookie defensive end Jamil Merrell. We heard last week that the team was trying out some offensive lineman, and Kyle Long‘s absence from camp may have convinced the team to add some depth.
The nine-year veteran has bounced around since being selected by the Colts in the fourth round of the 2005 draft. He won a Super Bowl with Indianapolis in 2007, played for the Broncos and Raiders in 2008 and was with the Lions for the past five season. The 32-year-old has played in 120 career games with 19 starts. He’s appeared in at least 15 games each season since joining the Lions in 2009.
Gandy has played center and both guard positions during his career, but his impact with the Lions came on special teams. Gandy was one of seven players on last year’s squad (excluding the kicker and punter) to have a positive special teams rating, per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required).
Merrell was signed by the Bears in June after lasting a week on the Titans’ roster in May.