There’s a new lineman in town. The Bears have signed Free Agent Guard Michael Schofield, an Illinois native from Orland Park, Il. Schofield spent last season on the Los Angeles Chargers, starting in 12 games while appearing in 15.
Schofield came into the league in 2014 after being drafted in the third round by the Denver Broncos. He’s also spent time with Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers. He was brought in to Halas Hall for a workout July 24th, and signed the next day.
PFF ranked Schofield 9 among guards in Pass Protection last year. He was also given a 68 PFF overall grade, ranking him above league average. Schofield is a big body standing at 6”6’ and weighing 301 pounds, Schofield also possesses the quickness and agility both Head Coach Matt Eberflus and General Manager Ryan Poles desire in a player.
Schofield brings versatility to the lineman group, as he can play every position on the line other than center. Although he was signed to play guard, he was the starting tackle on the Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50, and played parts of last year as a swing tackle. Stability is very much needed in this young group of guys and Schofield should provide just that.
Signing Schofield takes a large pressure off the back of rookie guard Zachary Thomas, who due to lack of depth at the position, was positioned to start on opening day. Schofield will likely enter training camp as the starting Right Guard, with Thomas and veteran Sam Mustipher behind him.
Training camp officially opens for the full team July 26th, and it will be interesting to see which lineman run with each group. Schofield is sure to mix it up and hopefully prove to be a fruitful signing.
