Cody Whitehair on move to center: Wherever I can help the team, that’s what I’m going to do

The Chicago Bears took significant steps in overhauling the offensive line this offseason. They used their first-round pick on right tackle Darnell Wright and spent big money in free agency on right guard Nate Davis. But one of the most significant changes is at center, where Cody Whitehair is taking over after playing the last two years exclusively at guard.

Whitehair spent the first three seasons of his career at center, where at one point, he looked like one of the best young players in the NFL at the position.

Whitehair earned a career-best 87.5 grade from Pro Football Focus as a rookie when he logged over 1,000 snaps at center.

“It’s kind of like riding a bike,” Whitehair said Wednesday. “At first there were some issues [with] consistency of the snaps. But I feel like I’m past that. I feel I’m in a good spot. The experience there before me has helped.”

Whitehair’s veteran presence in the middle of the offensive line will pay immediate dividends. Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, and Wright are young players who will benefit from Whitehair’s experience and leadership.

“There’s a different feel this year,” Whitehair said. “Everybody is really hungry this year. Guys came in and looked great, working hard. So we like where we’re at. There’s always optimism at this time of year, but you just feel it at the next level, I guess. Guys are really eager to get back Guys are eager to work for each other. We’ve got the right pieces this year to really make a run.”

Whitehair signed a five-year, $51.25 million contract in 2019 and is often mentioned as a potential cap casualty at the end of the 2023 season. But he’s still only 30 years old, if he re-emerges as one of the NFC’s top centers, the Chicago Bears will have a long-term fix at one of the sport’s critical positions.

“It started at K-State. They moved me all around,” Whitehair said. “Started playing tackle, then playing guard, this, this and this. So I’m used to it. I’ve always been a team-first guy. Wherever I can help the team, that’s what I’m going to do.”