The Chicago Bears recently released veteran offensive lineman Matt Slauson, and he's not wasting anytime trying to find a new home. Slauson, a sixth-round pick in 2009, has already scheduled visits with the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills.
The 30-year-old guard has played for both the New York Jets and Bears over his 7-year career. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the No. 18 guard in the NFL last year, making Chicago's decision to release him even more of a head-scratcher.
Slauson will meet with the Chargers today, and a trip to Buffalo is expected right after. There are other teams who might get into the bidding for his services as well.
Since 2013, Slauson has mostly manned the left guard position. He has started all 37 games he has appeared in while with the Bears. However, Chicago general manager Ryan Pace must have felt he had a logjam at the position after signing Manny Ramirez and Ted Larsen in free agency and selecting Kansas State guard Cody Whitehair in the second round of the NFL Draft.
Between the Chargers and the Bills, it is assumed that Buffalo has the upper hand. Slauson has some connections to members of the Bills' coaching staff, most notably head coach Rex Ryan and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, who previously coached him with the Jets and Bears, respectively. Buffalo created some much-needed salary cap space by reaching an extension agreement with left tackle Cordy Glenn (five-years, $65 million). That extra space could be used to sign Slauson, whom the team views as an option at right tackle.
But San Diego has a coaching connection of its own. New assistant offensive line coach Dave DeGuglie was Slauson's OL coach in 2012 with the Jets. Still, it's unknown if the veteran has a favorite in mind as of now.
We'll keep you posted as more details emerge.
