The remodelling of Chicago’s offensive line continues. The Bears are signing veteran tackle Riley Reiff, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). 
The one-year pact carries a maximum value of $12.5MM, with $10MM of that total considered likely to be earned, Schefter adds. This marks the second straight offseason in which he joins a new team on a one-year free agent deal, albeit he is doing so far later this year than last. Reiff previously worked out with the Jets, who made an offer, but no deal ever came to fruition.
The 33-year-old joined the Bengals last year, on a contract which was smaller than the one he is signing now. He started all 12 games he appeared in, before being sidelined with an injury in December. He earned a PFF grade of 67.3, continuing his career trend of solid, yet unspectacular, play.
Another notable aspect of Reiff’s play last season, of course, was the fact that he played right tackle, after manning the blindside during his tenure in Minnesota. He didn’t live up to the expectations associated with the five-year, $58.75MM contract he signed to join the Vikings, but will provide starting-caliber play for the Bears’ new-look offensive front.
Chicago signed fellow veteran blocker Michael Schofield yesterday. It remains to be seen where he and Reiff will line up, but their additions should help protect Justin Fields better in his second season.
He can only help even if just a veteran voice in the OL room for Borom, Jenkins, & Jones.
Between Reiff and Schofield that doesn’t leave a lot of money to resign Roquan. So I’m guessing that means they have no intention of resigning him at least this off-season if at all.
They could sign Smith long term without taking more of a cap hit this year than they already are.
Oh yea that makes sense, I forgot you can just have the deal start next season.
Plus they have close to 100 million in cap space next season.
As much as I liked him as insurance for the Jets as a Jets fan, I’m glad to see the Bears add any protection for Justin Fields just out of sympathy for the guy.
This dude loves the NFC North
He has almost made the division carousel
Must suck to Reiff. Bears were probably trying to sign him all along and he realized it was the only offer he was going to get. A bad job is better than no job I guess.
You must be a treat to live with.
Jason Peters: “This guy is way too young”.
Nothing wrong with chasing the cash at his age. He’ll probably retire soon anyway.
Unless they changed the rules so that the Bears are allowed to play 10 OL in a game, I don’t understand all these Linemen signings, If I was Cody Whitehair and Robert Quinn, I’d put my house up for sale because this money is coming from someboidy else leaving.