Chicago Bears sign offensive lineman Frank Omiyale
Club says it shouldn't hinder efforts to keep John St. Clair
By Vaughn McClure | Tribune reporter
February 28, 2009
At first glance, the Bears' signing of free agent offensive lineman Frank Omiyale seemed to indicate free agent John St. Clair was no longer in the team's plans.
General manager Jerry Angelo clarified the matter via teleconference.
"This has nothing to do with how we feel about John St. Clair," Angelo said Friday. "Really, when you go into negotiations, we can't determine the timetable on when we're going to get these deals done. … We certainly would have liked to have gotten John St. Clair done first because we know John and feel real good about John."
As the first day of free agency came to conclusion, St. Clair's status remained unclear and Omiyale, a former Carolina Panther, was the only addition for Bears.
Omiyale, 26, was originally a fifth-round draft pick of Atlanta in 2005 but never caught on with the Falcons.
He had one start in 10 games with Carolina last season, impressing the Bears with his play at left tackle in the Panthers' regular-season finale at New Orleans.
That being said, Angelo diffused any talk of Omiyale being handed a starting job at tackle. The only guarantee made to the newcomer was a $5.5 million signing bonus as part of a four-year deal worth between $11.5 million and 14 million.
"We told him that we wanted to look at him at guard first," Angelo said of Omiyale. "But we're not going to limit him in terms of reps only at guard."
Angelo said the 6-foot-4-inch, 310-pound Omiyale is more adept at pass protection than run blocking, indicating he is suited better for tackle.
But Angelo can't afford to designate Omiyale strictly at tackle considering the adverse effect it could have on negotiations with St. Clair.
If St. Clair is re-signed, he is likely to start at right tackle next season with Chris Williams, last year's first-round pick, taking over at left tackle.
Drafting an offensive lineman remains a possibility.
Omiyale could be insurance at tackle and guard. His chances of starting increase without St. Clair in the mix.
Omiyale was asked if he would be disappointed not to start.
"Just being a competitive athlete, maybe a little disappointed," he said, "but it's all about the team, too. … I just want to do my part. And whatever the coaches decide, that's how it will be. And I will be all in."
vxmcclure@tribune.com
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-28-bears-free-agentsfeb28,0,2976913.story
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