The Chicago Bears are signing free-agent center Coleman Shelton to a one-year contract according to a report from Brad Biggs. Shelton was released by the Los Angeles Rams earlier this offseason. Shelton will compete with the recently acquired Ryan Bates for the starting gig at center. Expect the veteran Shelton to possess the upper hand in the position battle.
#Bears are expected to sign C Coleman Shelton to a 1-year contract. He comes from the #Rams. An option to compete with Ryan Bates at the position.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 14, 2024
Shelton entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers at the conclusion of the 2018 NFL Draft. He joined the Rams in 2019, where he spent the previous five seasons. New Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron spent the first two seasons (2019-20) of Shelton's career with the Rams coaching the offense as a passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Waldron's familiarity with Shelton likely made him an offseason target following his release from the Rams.
Pro Football Focus credits Shelton with playing 1,113 snaps at center for the Rams this past season. He was a particularly performer as a run blocker, earning a grade of 72.6 from PFF in that area. Shelton did struggle as a pass protector, allowing 34 pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and 2.0 sacks, en route to a career-low pass-pro grade of 48.9. Shelton was also whistled for six penalties, tied for ninth-most among all centers.
Shelton is a league-average center that adds quality experience, competition, depth, and familiarity to the Bears' offense.
