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The Bears' starting right guard last season at the time of his season-ending injury thanks to Jared Allen, Lance Louis has reportedly signed with the Miami Dolphins on a one-year contract.
Taken in the 7th round at 246th overall in the 2009 draft, Louis developed into a solid starter and, according to ProFootballFocus.com, was the NFL's 47th best offensive guard based on his 712 snaps last season. He suffered an ACL tear in the week 12 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Brad Biggs says of him:
Louis turned out to be one of the better selections near the end of Jerry Angelo’s tenure after he was developed by former offensive line coach/coordinator Mike Tice.
Many Bears fans had hoped the team would find a way to re-sign the player, who has started 28 of the 41 games he appeared in. The team remains dangerously thin at the interior of the offensive line, with Gabe Carimi, James Brown and Edwin Williams being in the mix.
Will this news increase the likelihood of Emery considering going OG/OC early as a "need" in the draft next month or, as seems to be his M.O., will he make another move in free agency to cover his bases? As always, share your thoughts below, tell us who you want to see on the team now that we have no starting guards, and stay tuned for more Bears news.....