Bears sign offensive lineman Jason Peters

Moments after the final whistle sounded in the Chicago Bears 20-13 win against the Miami Dolphins, Elite Loyalty Sports announced that the Bears signed their client, offensive lineman Jason Peters. And now on Monday the Bears have officially announced a one-year contract for the 18 year veteran.

The 39-year old Peters started 8 games at left tackle a year ago with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he has started 203 of the 213 games he’s appeared in (mostly at left tackle) since being an undrafted free agent pick up by the Bills in 2004. The Eagles were going to move him inside to guard last year, but an injury to their young left tackle Andre Dillard prompted Peters’ move back to tackle.

The nine time pro bowler will likely compete at left tackle for the Bears, but he had some injury issues a year ago which landed him on IR.

If he’s healthy, and once he works himself into shape, I see no reason why Peters isn’t able to start on the left side instead of Elijah Wilkinson, who is better served as a back up on the right side or at guard.

UPDATE: Head coach Matt Nagy just said in his press conference that Peters is signing to compete to start at left tackle.

Peters will also buy the team some time to get rookie Teven Jenkins back from his back injury and allow them to take their time with his rehab. Peters also has the ability to play on the right side or guard, so he could add some nice value to a unit that has had several injuries.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler Tweeted that Peters’ deal is for one-year and him getting a chance to reunite with Bears o-line coach Juan Castillo, who he worked with in Philly, was a big reason he choose Chicago.