The Chicago Bears continue to add familiar faces to their roster:
#Bears roster update:
We have signed the following Reserve/Future player:
OL, Willie Beavers— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) January 16, 2019
Offensive lineman Willie Beavers re-joins the team, this time on a reserve/future contract. Beavers joined the Bears’ practice squad in November, but was bounced on January 1 in order for the team to re-sign quarterback Tyler Bray to the practice squad. A fourth-round pick by the Vikings in 2016, Beavers – a guard by trade – had a third-round grade and owned encouraging traits that suggested he could be a depth piece along the offensive line with the proper development. And after stops in Minnesota, New England, and Seattle, it’s Chicago that becomes the latest team looking to mold Beavers.
With Beavers’ return, the Bears currently have eight offensive linemen who are either under contract for next season or on reserve/future contracts. This is good news for a team that could lose starting right tackle Bobby Massie, as well as guards Eric Kush and Bryan Witzmann (both who have starter’s experience) to free agency. The Bears could have openings at the starting right tackle spot and among the reserves of the interior line. With that in mind, Beavers, as well as Dejon Allen, Rashaad Coward, and Bradley Sowell could be in a place where they’re battling for playing time and consideration on the 2019 season-opening 53 man roster.
Depth is good and keeping Beavers in the mix (even as on a reserve/future contract) provides some competition down the line.