Bobby Massie, a reliable, workmanlike starting right tackle the past three seasons, is an unrestricted free agent and, if he leaves, the heir to that position might not be on the roster, which is why the Bears are likely to seriously consider re-signing the seven-year veteran who will turn 30 during training camp.
Although the Bears like the physical and mental makeup of 6-foot-6, 320-pound Rashaad Coward, a potential replacement for Massie, the converted defensive lineman is not yet ready to plug in and play. Another valued backup, 29-year-old Bradley Sowell, is athletic and versatile, and he has started games at left tackle, right tackle and left guard, but he is not the physical road grader that Massie is.