What's become very clear come Tuesday morning is that the Bears are looking at upgrading their offensive line via free agency, which opens at 3 p.m. And one lineman they're keen on is guard Andy Levitre.
A source said the Bears are interested in Levitre, who has started every game for the Bills since being drafted with the 51st overall pick in 2009. He's considered the best available guard.
It shouldn't be a surprise that the Bears are exploring adding an offensive lineman and are calling around about some of them. In Pro Football Focus' offensive line rankings, they ranked 30th. It's already been reported that the Bears have interest in offensive tackles Jake Long, Phil Loadholt and Jermon Bushrod.
All of them, including Levitre, figure to be in line for sizable contracts, making moves to free up cap space a must for the Bears, if they sign one of them.
Why would the Bears be interested in Levitre, who is reportedly drawing serious interest from the Colts and Titans?
According to PFF, Levitre rated as the ninth best guard in 2012. He was rated behind Jets guard Brandon Moore, who also is a free agent. But Moore is six years older than Levitre, 26.
The Bears also are expected to become more pass-oriented under new coach Marc Trestman. Levitre was the best pass-blocking guard in 2012 in PFF's ratings.
Guard, right now, also isn't a deep position for the Bears.
General manager Phil Emery said he was interested in keeping right guard Lance Louis, who was their best lineman last year, but he's coming off surgery for a torn ACL.
Emery also is open to seeing what right tackle Gabe Carimi can do at guard, while guard Chris Spencer is set to become an unrestricted free agent.
The Bears are high on James Brown, who was signed as an undrafted free agent last season. He started the final three games of the season at left guard.
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