Offensive tackle Riley Reiff has signed a one-year deal worth up to $12.5 million with the Chicago Bears on Tuesday.
The former Cincinnati Bengal will likely step in as the team’s starting left tackle. At worst, he’s a versatile tackle option for a team desperate for talent up front. The 33-year-old was decent for the Bengals last year, though an ankle injury kept him out during their run to the Super Bowl. His pass protection numbers were not very good, but he provides an upgrade for the Bears and a potential mentor, too.
Reiff’s large pay day is emblematic of the shortage of tackles across the league. Even though Chicago is rebuilding, bringing in a veteran allows quarterback Justin Fields to breathe a little easier.
FanDuel has set Fields’ passing touchdown line at 18.5. Reiff makes that all the more attainable, even if he doesn’t live up to his original first-round draft capital.