Bears Sign Veteran Offensive Lineman After Workout

Chicago Bears fans are excited for the 2022 NFL season as it'll be their first chance to see what Justin Fields can do as the full-time starting quarterback. If Fields is going to be the best version of himself that he can be, Chicago's offensive line must do what it can to protect the sophomore QB.

NFL insider Kevin Fishbain is reporting that the Bears are set to give Fields more help in the form of veteran offensive lineman Michael Schofield. The 31-year-old worked out with Chicago on Sunday and is now expected to sign with the team.

Bears Roster News

A third-round pick in 2014, Schofield has played 102 games (81 starts) with three different teams over the previous seven seasons. He suited up in 15 games in a second stint with the Los Angeles Chargers last year, giving up two sacks while taking a trio of penalties on 907 offensive snaps.

Nobody allowed more sacks last year than the Bears with a whopping total of 58. Fields accounted for 36 of those despite only playing 12 games (10 starts). The worst of his performances was when he was sacked nine times by the Cleveland Browns in Week 3.

Schofield's presence should immediately improve Chicago's o-line. They're still lacking pass-catching playmakers to help Fields, but the truth is that the 23-year-old gunslinger is in a better spot to succeed this year compared to 2021. Whether or not it's enough to help aid him in reaching his full potential remains to be seen this fall.

Bears NFL Playoff Odds

The Bears are hoping that, with a stronger o-line, Fields can bring the franchise its first playoff victory since the 2010 season. Unfortunately, FanDuel Sportsbook doesn't think that'll happen this year, favoring Chicago to miss the 2022-23 NFL postseason at -600 odds.