Orlando Pace should shore up Chicago Bears at tackle

Orlando Pace should shore up Chicago Bears at tackle
April 3
Chicago Tribune

Lost in the hysteria of the Jay Cutler trade Thursday was the Bears' acquisition of another player with Pro Bowl credentials.

Veteran left tackle Orlando Pace, who the Rams released last month after 12 seasons in St. Louis, agreed to a three-year, $15 million contract with the Bears. He will be paid $6.1 million for the 2009 season, according to a league source.

Pace, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is expected to start at left tackle next season and allow Chris Williams, last year's first-round pick, to shift to right tackle.

"Orlando looks at this as a tremendous opportunity, to continue his career with such a historic franchise," agent Kennard McGuire said. "He just feels like this is the perfect situation for him."

Pace, 33, had a history with Bears coach Lovie Smith dating back to Smith's days at the Rams' defensive coordinator. Although Pace encountered some injury woes during the last few years, the Bears figured the future Hall of Famer could help keep Cutler off the ground.

"We really feel that it gives us a very good offensive line now," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said. "We've had some real good success with veteran players.

"He expressed to us on his visit that he wants to play and continue to play. And he feels his health is probably as good as it has been in a while.""
Link