Roberto

Garza

The deal includes $2.6 million in guarantees and keeps Garza under contract through 2013. Garza has been a steadying force on a shaky Bears offensive line, playing both right guard and center over the past two seasons. The signing is good news for both Matt Forte and Jay Cutler moving forward.

Garza, 33, has missed just two starts over the last seven seasons. Although he’s been the model of consistency, Garza has been near the bottom of Pro Football Focus’ annual center rankings over the last couple seasons. He has one year left on his deal.

Although arguably Chicago’s best offensive lineman over the past several seasons, Garza has ranked near the bottom of Pro Football Focus’ rankings at center. Protecting Jay Cutler remains an issue in Chicago, and Bears beat writers wouldn’t be surprised if Garza is eventually moved to guard in an effort to get the best players on the field. The draft will likely determine where Garza lines up this season.

Garza, 34, has been with the Bears since 2005. The team captain and O-Line signal caller has started all 16 games in each of the last three seasons, grading out as PFF’s No. 12 center among 35 qualifiers a year ago. The major leap forward the Bears offensive line took last season will be intact. Garza’s $1.5 million deal is identical to the one signed by Lions C Dominic Raiola earlier this month.

“We feel like he should finish his career with the Bears,” said Trestman. Garza turns 35 next month, but is still playing at a high enough level to start one more year in Chicago. Garza should be affordable for the Bears to retain.

Garza has spent the last nine seasons with the Bears and seems likely to return on a team-friendly contract. Rotoworld ranks Garza as the No. 7 free agent center available this offseason.

Garza is a team captain, offensive line signal caller and 16-game starter for the Bears in seven of the last eight seasons. De La Puente was signed as quality insurance in case the 35-year-old breaks down. Both Garza and De La Puente are operating on one-year deals.

He’ll be a backup to open training camp, but the Bears O-line is in flux. He’ll have a chance to start.

This may be the end of the line for the 36-year-old Garza, who has started 176 games across 14 seasons for the Falcons and Bears. He’s increasingly become a liability in pass protection and finished last year as PFF’s No. 28 center among 36 qualifiers. The Bears are expected to sign Will Montgomery as a replacement.

Both players will make $628,000 next season.