Bears’ $30 million Starter’s Position “May Be in Danger”
Offensive lineman Nate Davis signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears that could be valued up to $30 million in 2023, with $17.5 million guaranteed.
One of the team’s main free agent additions in the 2023 offseason was Davis, but as the season went on, he missed six games because of a persistent lower-limb ailment in addition to the death of his mother at the beginning of the season.
Although taking time off for a loved one’s funeral is totally understandable, Davis’s lack of participation in OTAs this offseason has sparked questions about his health. It has also had an impact on the O-line’s alignment during practice.
In fairness, Davis has been in training during the first few days of camp; veterans report on July 19. However, Ryan Bates, the Bears’ top center prospect, took over for Davis while he was sidelined.
“If Davis continues to miss practices (like he did last year and at OTAs), his starting spot could be in jeopardy and that could open the door for Ryan Bates,” says Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron.
Is Bears OL Nate Davis Going to Lose His Starting Position?
This season, Davis, 27, will need to stay healthy. Due to an ankle ailment that kept him out of four games in 2023, the veteran guard would prefer to begin 2024 on a positive note.
This offseason, the Bears added Bates and Coleman Shelton, who are now vying for the starting center spot. Until that’s decided, Chicago won’t be able to have continuity on the offensive line, but Davis’ injury in particular may mess everything up.
Zimmerman stated, “Nate Davis will lose his starting job and Shelton and Bates will start if he isn’t consistently practicing and performing well.” “However, if Davis performs well, that will give Bates more playing time at center, where he might even start.”
A strong offensive line is always crucial, but this year, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams making his NFL debut, it will be even more crucial for the Bears. It is crucial to protect Williams, who the team drafted first overall in this year’s selection.
Bears Still Have Some Serious Doubts About OL
Zimmerman also thinks that during the team’s June 4–6 veteran minicamp, head coach Matt Eberflus of the Bears may have given Davis a subliminal message. When Matt Eberflus stated at the end of minicamp that there was an open competition for the interior offensive line, many took it to mean between Shelton and Bates at center. To be honest, though, that might have been a veiled jab at Davis, Zimmerman pointed out.
Davis played 663 snaps at right guard (384 pass blocks and 279 run blocks) in 11 games with the Bears in the previous season. (Source: Pro Football Focus) He gave up 21 hurries, 7 quarterback hits, and 1.0 sacks.
The Bears also have two interesting young offensive lineman in Teven Jenkins and Darnell Wright, if Davis can stay healthy. That makes for a strong trio with Davis. However, Jenkins’s health has also been a problem; in his three-year career, he has yet to play an entire season.
Apart from concerns over longevity and health, there’s also the matter of who will be the one to snap the ball. It’s too early to tell, but Bates appears to have an early advantage. The Bears will need to make these choices sooner rather than later because training camp is already begun and the Hall of Fame game will be the team’s first preseason game on August 1. Pay attention.