Sources familiar with the situation say the Bears will move veteran Chris Williams back to offensive tackle according to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com.
A former first-round pick — 14th overall in 2008 — Williams was drafted to play left tackle.
As a rookie, Williams played in nine games, seeing limited action at left tackle. In 2009, Williams started 11 games at right tackle and five on the left side.
The Bears have all their draft picks inked, as today they came to terms with third-round safety Brandon Hardin.
The Bears announced Tuesday morning that their only unsigned draft pick, third-round safety Brandon Hardin from Oregon State, has signed a four-year contract.
“This is a big, fast, physical, dynamic athlete,” Bears General Manager Phil Emery said of Hardin after the draft. “We feel like we’re going to get a lot of mileage out of Brandon right from the get-go in terms of special teams and working as our third or fourth safety. Right now he needs to earn that and see how far he goes.”
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The Bears have waived a couple players, thus making space for seven players who earned contracts after tryouts at rookie minicamp.
Gone are tackle Levi Horn, guard Reggie Stephens and tight end Andre Smith.
The Bears announced Sunday that seven players had agreed to terms on three-year contracts: Wisconsin-Whitewater quarterback Matt Blanchard, Texas Southern wide receiver Joseph Anderson, Illinois State tight end Brandon Venson, Concordia tackle Tyler Hendrickson, Central Florida guard Nick Pieschel, Boston College punter Ryan Quigley and Connecticut kicker David Teggart.
ESPN is reporting that it sounds like the investigation into a March incident involving Bears WR Brandon Marshall is about to come to a close.
Marshall is alleged to have punched a woman in the face outside of a nightclub, and it sounds like police have been unable to find evidence against Marshall and the case will likely be closed without charges being filed.
Word is the WR was at the club that night, but denies involvement in any scuffle and claims that his wife, who was hit with a bottle and taken to a hospital, was the victim.
“The situation in New York, it’s unfortunate,” Marshall told “The Waddle & Silvy Show” on ESPN 1000 in Chicago last week. “You never want to see anyone get hurt, but just the allegation of me balling my fist up and hitting a woman is just a lie. When the judicial system takes its course I’m very confident I will be cleared of any wrongdoing.
“My wife was the victim in this situation.”
It could have been the last straw for the Dolphins, as two days after the “incident”, the team moved Marshall to Chicago. Reports of the incident did not surface until the day after the deal, both teams reportedly knew of the incident at the time of the trade.
The Bears announced that they have agreed to terms with first round defensive end Shea McClellin on a four-year contract that includes a team option for the 2016 season.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but based on being the 19th overall pick in the draft, McClellin’s contract is projected to be worth around $8.266 million. All or most of that amount will be fully guaranteed.
In 49 games at Boise State, McClellin recorded 130 tackles, including 35 for a loss and 20.5 sacks. McClellin added four interceptions, one he returned for a touchdown, with two passes defensed, five forced fumbles and even blocked a kick on special teams.
McClellin is projected to start opposite Julius Peppers on the Bears’ four-man defensive line.
The Bears announced that sixth round CB Isaiah Frey has agreed to terms on a four-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but as the 16th selection in the sixth round, Frey’s rookie contract is projected to be worth $2.205 million and include a signing bonus of $105,800.
The 5-foot-11, 188-pound Frey was a three-year starter at Nevada, totaling 141 tackles, seven interceptions and 38 passes defensed during his 51-game career. Frey was not invited to the Scouting Combine and ran a 4.45-40 at his pro day on March 21.
Veterans Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman are expected to start for the Bears, so Frey’s best bet to see the field as a rookie is in sub packages and on special teams.
The Bears announced that they have reached agreement on a four-year contract with fourth round tight end Evan Rodriguez.
The 6-foot-2, 239-pound Rodriguez caught 69 passes for 871 yards and seven touchdowns during his 37-game career at Temple. The undersized Rodriguez ran a 4.58-40 with a 36″ vertical leap and 9’11″ broad jump at the 2012 Scouting Combine.
Rodriguez is expected to be used as a fullback/”move” tight end, lining up in the slot as a No. 2 tight end behind projected starter Kellen Davis.
Financial details were not disclosed, but Rodriguez’s four-year contract is projected to be worth $2.545 million with a signing bonus of around $445,000.
May 16th, 2012 
Matt Loede 
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