The Chicago Bears continue to add pieces to the offensive line mix:
We have officially signed OL Bradley Sowell.
Welcome to the #Bears, @Bradley60Sowell! ?⬇ pic.twitter.com/5eQBqTuIoD
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 2, 2017
Originally, Bradley Sowell was an undrafted free agent who signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he played college ball at Ole Miss. Since then, he has played five seasons in the NFL, spending time with the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, and most recently, the Seattle Seahawks.
Sowell has experience as both a guard and tackle, making nine starts for the Seahawks – splitting time between left and right tackle – in 2016 before a knee injury ended his season. Prior to that, he hadn’t started a game since 2013 when he made 12 starts for the Cardinals.
Pro Football Focus’ grades haven’t been kind to Sowell over the years: He ranked 76th among 76 qualifying tackles in 2013 with a 28.9 grade. And while he did register a 66.6 grade in 2015, that figure dropped down to 34.0 last season.
While the Bears missed out on Ricky Wagner – this free agency period’s top-rated offensive tackle, who signed with the rival Detroit Lions – the team has added to its depth with the re-signing of Eric Kush, free agency signings of Tom Compton and Taylor Boggs, as well as drafting Division II standout tackle Jordan Morgan in the fifth round. The team also returns starting tackles Bobby Massie and Charles Leno Jr.
The Bears will mark Sowell’s third team in three years.