4 players the Bears could target to replace Cody Whitehair

The Chicago Bears parted ways with longtime offensive lineman Cody Whitehair this week, marking the end of an era that stretched 124 games and 118 starts since Whitehair was selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

It was probably a difficult decision for GM Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus. Whitehair is a locker room leader, and his status as a grizzled veteran has value, even if his on-field play warranted his release.

Replacing Whitehair won’t be easy despite his regression. He was, at worst, a valuable swingman at guard and center, and there’s a reason why he started 118 of 124 games. Whitehair was a competent starter.

Fortunately, the Bears will have plenty of options to replace him this offseason.

I’m approaching this post assuming Whitehair would’ve begun the 2024 season as the Chicago Bears’ starting center. Here are four players (free agents and 2024 NFL Draft prospects) whom the Bears can target as upgrades over the eight-year veteran.

Connor Williams (Dolphins)

Even though he’s coming off a midseason torn ACL, Williams is the big fish at center in 2024 NFL free agency. The former second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys has started 77 games in his career, including all 26 he suited up for the Dolphins. Injuries have been a problem for him as a pro, but there’s no denying he’d be a massive upgrade over every center the Chicago Bears have fielded over the last several years.

Spotrac is projecting Williams will draw a five-year, $67.6 million offer in free agency ($13.5 million per season). While that may be a steep price to pay for a center, the Bears must finally get the position right. Poles has plenty of salary cap space to make a move like this, and he should.

Williams will rank at or near the top of the Bears’ free-agent wish list.

Tyler Biadasz (Cowboys)

If Poles decides to target a second-tier free agent to replace Whitehair, he should consider Biadasz. He became the Cowboys’ full-time starter in his second season and has started 49 games over the last three years. He’s just 26 years old and should come at a much lower price than Williams’ market value.

Bears fans may not like Biadasz as the solution in free agency, but he would be a quality upgrade over Whitehair and Lucas Patrick in the short term.

Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon)

The biggest power play Poles can make to level up the offensive line is trading back in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft and selecting Powers-Johnson, who’s elevated his draft stock as a firm first-round pick.

Powers-Johnson would be a difference-maker up front. Much like Darnell Wright proved his value quickly during his rookie season in 2023, Powers-Johnson has the chops to hold up against NFL speed and power and has the overall makeup of a 10-year starter in the NFL. He’d be the most talented center the Bears have fielded since Olin Kreutz.

Zach Frazier (West Virginia)

Assuming the Chicago Bears don’t trade back in the first round and aren’t in a position to select Powers-Johnson, Frazier would be a fantastic consolation prize on Day 2. The West Virginia standout has a second-round grade from most NFL Draft analysts, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he falls into the third round. He’s a stocky dude who plays the position like a wrestler, he’d become an instant fan-favorite in Chicago.

Which centers do you think the Chicago Bears should pursue in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft? Sign up for a free user account and share your opinion in the comments. If you’d like an ad-free Bears Talk and access to our exclusive content, consider leveling up to a premium account for just $3.49/mo or $29.99/yr. We’d love to have you! Bear Down!