Possible Long Free Agent Centers List for Bears to Ponder

An additional option could be available to the Bears in free agency among centers, a player not on many lists of possible free agent players at the position.

It's someone with past ties to new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, albeit rather remote ones.

Rams center Coleman Shelton wasn't necessarily scheduled to be a free agent but has a void in his contract that triggers with at least 55% of offensive snaps played, according to Pro Football Focus cap expert Brad Spielberger. Shelton started every game last year for the first time in his career and had 1,114 snaps played, and as a result he became eligible for free agency.

Shelton was familiar with Waldron from earlier in his career. Waldron was not the offensive coordinator then, just passing game coordinator in 2020 and Shelton was a backup center behind starter Brian Allen. However, he would be very experienced in the Rams style of offense that Waldron is expected to bring to the Bears.

Shelton, who is 6-foot-4, 299 pounds, is a bit light for NFL centers but not for one in the scheme the Bears play. The wide zone blocking scheme requires a more athletic center who gets out on the move and sometimes is required to block at the second level of the defense.

Blocking the run has been Shelton's strength, according to PFF's grading. He ranked 17th overall last year among centers while he was graded 12th overall in blocking the run.

It's possible the Bears could go into free agency looking for a bridge type situation with a veteran center for a year or two of starting and a rookie who comes in to learn. It's not the easiest position to pick up as a rookie in the NFL. For instance, John Michael Schmitz with the Giants and Joe Tippmann with the Jets were highly touted coming into the league in last year's draft. Tippmann wsa graded out 22nd overall among centers while Schmitz was 36th in a 32-team league.

There are other options who could be in the market for the Bears and fit their scheme.

Tennessee Titans center Aaron Brewer blocked two years ago in a line that included Bears right guard Nate Davis and blocked wide-zone plays for Derrick Henry. The Bears also have the Titans' offensive line coach, Jason Houghtaling, as their assistant O-line coach now.

Broncos center Lloyd Cushenberry and Dolphins center Connor Williams both are scheduled for free agency and have scheme experience. They were highly rated by PFF, Williams graded the best overall center in the league. However, Williams had a late-season torn ACL and his status will be in doubt until possibly the start of the season or later.

Bears center Lucas Patrick and backup Dan Feeney both are free agents. Cody Whitehair, a center and guard, could be a salary cap victim as a starter who was benched last year but had the team's fourth-highest salary cap cost ($14.1 million).

The Bears also have third-year center Doug Kramer, but he has played only two offensive snaps and three special teams plays in his two seasons.