The Bears’ need for depth and competition at offensive tackle has led to Nate Chandler. The five-year veteran will sign with the Bears, according to multiple reports on Thursday.
The move comes a day after the Bears released offensive tackle Tayo Fabuluje, a sixth-round pick in 2015. The Bears are looking for a swing tackle behind starters Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie.
Chandler (6-4, 315 pounds at last listing) was primarily a defensive lineman at UCLA, but he also played tight end and on the offensive line. He moved back to the line in 2013 with Carolina Panthers after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2012.
He developed into a starter by his second season. He made 19 starts over the 2013 and 2014 seasons, which included stints at right guard and right tackle.
Chandler, who recently visited the Detroit Lions, has an injury history that’s worth monitoring. In November 2014, Chandler suffered a torn right lateral meniscus ligament in his knee against the Atlanta Falcons. Later in September, he was placed on injured reserve and missed all of last season after re-injuring his right knee.
