Another 4 Star Commit To  Chicago Bears….

The third year pro previously spent his career with Shane Waldron and the Seattle Seahawks.

The Chicago Bears continue to fill out their depth chart along the offensive line with their second different signing of today. This addition is a familiar face for new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.

Per Kenny Zuckerman of Priority Sports, the Bears have signed offensive tackle Jake Curhan. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed as of the writing of this article. Kenny Zuckerman is the current agent for Jake Curhan.

Jake (6’6”, 316) previously signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2021 during Shane Waldron’s first season as their offensive coordinator. Now with the Chicago Bears in the same capacity, Shane has brought the former California Golden Bear onboard to add depth up front. Jake Curhan currently has 9 career starts in 29 career appearances.

During his career, he has played both guard and tackle, and all nine career starts so far have been at right tackle.

As a team that could surely use some additions to the wide receiver room, the Chicago Bears miss out on the Calvin Ridley sweepstakes, as Ridley signed a four-year deal worth $ 92 million ($ 50 million guaranteed) with the Titans.

But, this move— or lack thereof— could help the Bears in the long run.

The Chicago Bears’ chance of drafting a top 3 WR just increased significantly by not signing Calvin Ridley

While I had hopes of the Bears signing Calvin Ridley, a team like the Tennessee Titans signing him instead helps the Bears in a way bigger than some might think.

2024 NFL Draft order

1. Bears (via Panthers)
2. Commanders
3. Patriots
4. Cardinals
5. Chargers
6. Giants
7. Titans
8. Falcons
9. Bears

As the draft order currently stands, the Bears have stiff competition if their 2024 NFL Draft Plan includes drafting one of the top 3 receivers in the draft: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze. Teams like the Patriots, Cardinals, Giants, Titans, and Falcons all, theoretically, could draft one of the previously stated names.

However, with the Titans signing Calvin Ridley to this contract, maybe the Titans are more worried about drafting offensive linemen than they are receivers with the No. 7 pick. Had they not signed Ridley, the chances that the Titans consider a top receiver with their seventh pick is more likely than it is after signing.

It’s not even a for sure deal that the Chicago Bears want to draft a receiver at No. 9, nor is it guaranteed that the Bears even make a pick at No. 9. With as few picks as the Bears currently have, the idea of trading back to garner more picks is surely in the mix of possibilities.

Regardless, this Calvin Ridley signing gives the Chicago Bears a significantly better chance of drafting a top 3 receiver in the draft. Will it happen? That, and much more, will be answered on Draft Day.

The Chicago Bears have been on the clock for months, and our Bear Bones crew have been getting us ready for every possibility imaginable with their mock draft series. Tonight is version 3.0 and it features an old friend.

Join hosts Dr. Mason West and Khari Thompson and their special guest tonight, Robert Schmitz, the editor-in-chief of Da Bears Blog.

Remember that these mocks follow a strict one-prospect-picked-per-mock rule to ensure a fresh conversation and that we learn about as many players as possible so Mason and Khari will have plenty of possible new Bears’ prospects to discuss.

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