Ex-Jets starting guard Slauson signs with Bears

The Bears continued trying to plug holes through free agency on Friday, signing former New York Jets guard Matt Slauson to a one-year deal.

Two days earlier, the Bears lost their own unrestricted free agent guard, Lance Louis, when he signed with the Miami Dolphins. Louis was the Bears' best offensive lineman last season, but he is coming back from a torn ACL in his left knee, an injury that occurred Nov. 25.

Slauson, originally the Jets' sixth-round pick (193rd overall) out of Nebraska in 2009, did not allow a sack last season and has started 48 games in four seasons.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pounder helped the Jets rush for at least 1,600 yards each season since becoming a full-time starter in 2010.

“We are excited that Matt will be a Bear,” Bears general manager Phil Emery said in a statement released to the media. “He brings physical play and smarts to the offensive guard position and to the offensive line as an overall unit. His size, strength and power will allow him to challenge for either of the starting guard positions.”

After Louis was sidelined in Game 11 last season, the Bears tried to replace him at right guard with demoted right tackle Gabe Carimi and then Chris Spencer, neither of whom had much success.

Left guard was a disaster area last season for the Bears, who utilized a revolving door of ineffective players. Spencer started the first two games, followed by Chilo Rachal for eight games, Spencer for one, Edwin Williams for two and undrafted rookie James Brown for the final three.

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