Tackle Kevin Shaffer to sign with Chicago Bears

Offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer spent the last few days picking the brains of anyone he knew with ties to the Bears .

[ldc]

Excellent signing.

This guy has started the past five seasons at RT, and is much bigger and better than St. Clair. He also signed for less than what St. Clair made.

He's not a stud, and the team should still draft a guard/tackle high. But this is a step in giving the team a bigger, stronger and younger line that in previous years.

[Just Dave]

I look at it like this; We had no one on our roster with any quality NFL starts at either tackle position. Now we have someone who has started multiple games, for multiple teams, for multiple seasons. We get the "veteran experience" we were lacking at that position. If nothing else he can help prepare whatever rookie we draft. Good move.

[Chris]

Guess this means they'll go after a WR or pass rushing DL at #18.

[Paul]

This is a good move. Now let's get a WR that can help Hester.

[Deep Dish]

Thank You!!! Finally Jerry signs a solid player. This is a definite upgrade from St. Clair without a doubt.

[Big Cat]

Scouts Inc on Shaffer:

"Shaffer was signed two years ago to be Cleveland's starting left tackle. That experiment failed and after Joe Thomas was drafted, Shaffer moved to the right side, which clearly fits him much better. Shaffer is very strong and has the size and skill set needed to best play on the right side. On the left side, his athletic ability was exposed, but he has performed admirably on the right side because he doesn't have to consistently face elite speed-rushers. Shaffer also greatly benefited from the emergence of Thomas at left tackle because the Browns are able to give him help, if he is overmanned. He isn't very nimble or fluid, but does work hard. His pad level is a problem and he lacks the ability to consistently play the game low. He is a powerful man and pushes defensive linemen backwards as a power blocker. He is a thumper who plays to the whistle and is bright enough to get the most out of his physical abilities. There isn't much upside here, but Shaffer is certainly good enough to win with, especially with an elite talent like Thomas on the other side."

[The Hedgehog]

Just Dave wrote:

...Now we have someone who has started multiple games, for multiple teams, for multiple seasons. We get the "veteran experience" we were lacking at that position...

Now THAT is funny!

[Creighton]

Wait your not going to say anything bad about a team that just gave you 8 million dollars? Really? What a shock. All I know is the Browns would rather have St Clair and even payed him more. I could care less what he has to say about the Bears. It's what the Browns actions say about him that worries me.

[Creighton]

Almost forgot, if Omiyale, Garza and Shaffer all start, those are 3 Atlanta draft picks and cast offs that the Bears have signed. Looks like Angelo will always be chasing after Rich McKay's garbage. Guy can't scout so he goes after his old bosses players. Thats just sad.

[Otis]

Just Dave wrote:

I look at it like this; We had no one on our roster with any quality NFL starts at either tackle position. Now we have someone who has started multiple games, for multiple teams, for multiple seasons. We get the "veteran experience" we were lacking at that position. If nothing else he can help prepare whatever rookie we draft. Good move.

Here's his lineage:
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players...

The guy shows up on game day & doesn't need back surgery! I agree, this was a good move to fill a needed position.

Draft WRs please??

[Uncle Bouncy]

Can someone at the Tribune explain why they are getting scooped by some yahoo at Yahoo!???

and it's not just the Trib...no media in Chicago could find out anything about the Bear's interest or lack there of in Cutler

If newspapers are really dying...please at least go down with a fight

[Rob]

Did someone say Cutler?????

[bhawks61]

I like the move. We need depth at O-line and at least Jerry is doing something. I just hope he works out.

[Fentman]

See, all that crying about St. Clair and the O-line and they end up signing a guy who has been pretty darn good. The O-line is now set. I predict some other veteran additions to help bolster depth here and there but this team is solid if Orton and Hester take the next step.

[max]

This is a very good signing. What is lost in this signing is that Chicago now has one of the more versatile lines in recent memory.

[Eagle]

Now lets get Cutler

[sam]

lucky for him that he is not a QB or WR or he would have heard plenty of negative things from many people about chicago and the bears.

[val]

Anybody know why the Browns wanted to get rid of this player?
I really want to know what we got.
If he was doing his job well, why would the browns pick up an older player in St.Clair with less experience at tackle and pay him more as well?

This is really too fishy to consider him as the answer for the right tackle position.

[Hardliner]

He said he prayed before he signed with the Bears. People normally pray after they sign with the Bears.

[Bearsnut]

Now that they beefed up the o-line we should be able to watch Kyle do what he can and thats win football games for the Bears! All we need now is a hungry WR and were off to the races, Oh I mean Super Bowl! Kings of the NFC north