Bears sign offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings

The Bears have added some depth to their offensive line, signing five-year veteran T.J. Clemmings, the team announced. As a corresponding move, they have waived undrafted rookie Tommy Doles—the second time he has been let go by the team.

Clemmings, who will be 28 in November, was a highly-touted collegiate prospect coming out of Pittsburgh. Expected to be selected in the first two rounds of the 2015 draft, he fell to the Vikings in the fourth round due to a stress fracture in his foot. He spent two seasons with the team, playing in 31 games and starting 30 of them. He spent time with the Redskins in 2017, playing in six games and starting two of them before he was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. He spent last season with the Raiders, playing in four games before he injured his knee in November.

Clemmings brings starting experience and versatility to the Bears’ offensive line, as he has experience at guard and at both left and right tackle. Though he has injury concerns and doesn’t have very good technique as a blocker, he is a good athlete and offers upside as a backup at four of the five offensive line positions. He could potentially compete to be the Bears’ swing tackle.

Clemmings will compete with the likes of Ted Larsen, Rashaad Coward and Alex Bars for an opportunity as a backup offensive lineman on Chicago’s 53-man roster.