“The thing about Kyle that we all love is his position flexibility,” Bears general manager Ryan Pace said at the NFL Scouting Combine, per the Chicago Sun-Times‘ Patrick Finley and Adam L. Jahns. “With our offensive line, when I look at that, we’ve got some flexibility with some guys there. Our goal is to improve that position, but to just acquire the best players and let it all sort out and start the best five.”

Beyond having the flexibility to add Massie and move Long to right guard, the Bears needed to find a steady run-blocker who could seal off opposing rushers on the outside and create wider lanes for Jeremy Langford and Co. 

Last season, the Bears ranked 20th with 3.9 yards per rushing attempt despite wielding an impressive one-two punch consisting of Langford and Matt Forte. 

The good news is that Massie will be an upgrade. According to Pro Football Focus’ Josh Liskiewitz, Massie “has been an above-average run-blocker during his four-year career” despite failing to live up to expectations as a pass-blocker. 

The Bears are still searching for foundational pieces in the midst of a rebuild, but adding Massie on a reasonable deal is a small step in the right direction for a team that simply needs to be more consistent in all phases next season.