The Chicago Bears made one move early in the free agency negotiating window by signing veteran Larry Ogunjobi. He will fill the role as their new three-technique interior pass rusher. Since then, GM Ryan Poles has remained quiet on the market. It appears he aims to stay patient, seeing how things develop. Perhaps with a bit of luck, certain unexpected players might become available. Sure enough, it appears that has happened with the release of veteran center J.C. Tretter. Not only that, but new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy has ties to him.
Tretter was a 4th round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2013. He was in and out of their lineup as a starter between 2015 and 2016. Getsy was an offensive quality control coach and then wide receivers coach during that time. So they know each other well. Tretter left in 2017 to sign with Cleveland, where he has started all but one game in five seasons. He is a model of consistency and also something the Bears need.
As stated in Schefter's tweet, Tretter is the NFLPA president. So his leadership qualities aren't in question. His play speaks for itself. In over 500 pass-blocking snaps last season, he allowed just ten pressures on the quarterback. He's also effective as a move blocker, able to get out in space. That makes him ideal for a zone-blocking system like Chicago will soon implement under Getsy. At 31-years old, he still likely has a couple of good years left in him.
Signing Tretter makes so much sense for the Bears. He knows Luke Getsy personally, for starters. His leadership would be able to settle an offensive line in the midst of upheaval right now. Not to mention he'd be a massive help to a young quarterback in Justin Fields. Last but not least, signing him wouldn't count against the compensatory draft pick formula. That means the Bears can spend any amount of money necessary to land him.
