Bears Blitz

Published by Jake Perper on July 28, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Will the Bears bring back veteran center Olin Kreutz?

The veteran center is entering his 13th NFL season. He has spent all 12 of his seasons with the Bears.

Kreutz was voted to six straight Pro Bowls from 2001-2006. He’s not the elite center he once was, but he is a leader, and the Bears want to keep the offensive line intact.

The Bears offensive line last season gave up a league high 56 sacks, including nine in one game against the NY Giants. But the line improved down the stretch, and with the drafting of tackle Gabe Carimi, the Bears believe in bringing some veterans in, and the line could be much better.

Olin Kreutz wants to return to the Bears; he wants to retire a Bear. Fans love him; he has been steady for 12 straight seasons. The Bears have some competition with the San Francisco 49ers, who are looking to sign him.

The 49ers have already sent out a contract to Kreutz. The Bears are looking to bring him back to the mix and keep the line steady, but if Kreutz gets a much bigger offer from the 49ers, don’t be surprised if he departs.

The Bears will have to make a decision soon because Kreutz is expected to announce which team he will choose tomorrow.

If I had a vote, I would say keep Kreutz. He is great in the locker room and will teach the offensive line to play harder. He might not be the same center he once was, but he is better than any of the free-agent centers.

Other options:

If Kreutz doesn’t return, look for the Bears to move guard Roberto Garza over to center. Former first-round pick Chris Williams, who was drafted to be a tackle, played guard last season and could also possibly transition to center as well.

Kreutz will make the decision that he believes is right; he is a straight up guy. Tomorrow, we’ll know the answer.

Keep reading Bearsbacker.com for more info on each Bears move.

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

Read more Chicago Bears news on BleacherReport.com