Written by Brad Biggs and Rich Campbell at Chicago Tribune.com
The Bears got through final cuts Saturday and then got busy making their roster better for 2016 and beyond.
Quarterback Jay Cutler should have a smile on his face when the team practices Monday in preparation for Sunday’s opener against the Texans in Houston as the Bears signed three-time Pro Bowl guard Josh Sitton to a three-year contract worth roughly $21 million, according to sources.
The Bears moved quickly to sign Sitton, bringing him to Halas Hall for a visit on Sunday after he was a surprise final cut of the rival Packers on Saturday. With the Bears expected to announce a four-year extension for right guard Kyle Long any day, that’s some stalwart protection for the quarterback even though the Bears will have to scramble to set a new line this week.
Sitton, 30, has intimate knowledge of the NFC North, especially the Packers, and it makes sense for him to take over at left guard immediately. The Bears could then choose between veteran Ted Larsen, who has been better at center than guard, and second-round draft pick Cody Whitehair at center. Whitehair has been working at left guard in the preseason, but he took 10 snaps at center in the first exhibition game and there was some thinking in the building after he was drafted that Whitehair’s future would be brightest at center.
Sitton was named second-team All-Pro in each of the last three seasons and hasn’t missed a game since 2011. He has had back issues but worked diligently this offseason to drop 20 pounds, aiming to get to about 315. He was in the best shape of his career when training camp opened. The Packers released him instead of paying him $5.9 million this season in what was the final year of his contract.
That was the biggest news of a very busy day for general manager Ryan Pace, coach John Fox and the staff. The churn at the bottom of the roster addressed three positions that dogged the Bears throughout the preseason. They signed veteran free-agent tight end Logan Paulsen and claimed center Eric Kush and cornerback Cre’von LeBlanc off waivers.
To make room, the Bears waived tight end Khari Lee, defensive back Demontre Hurst and center Cornelius Edison. Another move will be necessary to add Sitton. The Bears also released kicker Robbie Gould and are expected to sign veteran Connor Barth.
Paulsen has played five NFL seasons, all with the Redskins. He is a quality blocker with capable hands, has special teams experience and fits the “smart and tough” label coach John Fox covets.
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