Bears sign Michael Schofield, a Sandburg High alum

The Bears might have found their starting right guard the day before they report to camp.

They signed Michael Schofield, a graduate of Sandburg High School in Orland Park, to a one-year contract Monday. The Michigan alum started 12 games for the Chargers last season and has made 81 starts in seven seasons with the Broncos, Chargers and Panthers.

Schofield, who will turn 32 in November, figures to compete with Sam Mustipher at right guard. Mustipher was the starter by default after Dakota Dozier suffered a season-ending knee injury during mandatory minicamp last month. Zach Thomas, a rookie from San Diego State, also took reps at right guard.

Pro Football Focus ranked Schofield as the ninth-best pass-blocking guard in the league last season.

Schofield should get the first look at right guard next to center Lucas Patrick, who signed a two-year deal this offseason, and left guard Cody Whitehair. The Bears have bigger question marks at tackle, where rookie Braxton Jones and second-year players Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom rotated in the spring.

Protecting quarterback Justin Fields must be a priority for the Bears. He was sacked on 11.8% of his dropbacks, the most in the NFL, as a rookie last season.

Schofield, who first worked out for the Bears on Sunday, is married to Olympic hockey star Kendall Coyne Schofield, who works with the Blackhawks and is a part-owner of the Red Stars.

Bears veterans report to Halas Hall for training camp Tuesday. The team will hold its first practice Wednesday.