Bears' newest free agent Omiyale could play key role on offensive line

Compared to the Redskins' $100 million deal with defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, the Bears' signing Friday of Panthers unrestricted free-agent offensive lineman Frank Omiyale - a career backup with one start in four years - doesn't make much of an impact.

"I know he's not a household name," said Bears general manager Jerry Angelo. "He was a work in progress, and we just saw a guy that continued to get better every year."

Considering the lack of talent and depth on the Bears' offensive line, Omiyale (pronounced oh-mee-yell) could play an important role. His four-year deal is worth between $11.5 million and $14 million, depending on how many playing-time incentives he reaches, and it includes a $5.5 million guaranteed signing bonus.

With right tackle John Tait's retirement expected to become official soon, the Bears' 53-man roster would be left with only Chris Williams and Omiyale at offensive tackle if the attempts to re-sign their own free-agent offensive lineman, John St. Clair, are unsuccessful.

Angelo said the Bears are still interested in upgrading the offensive line and that their pursuit of St. Clair would not be affected by the addition of Omiyale. St. Clair started 16 games at left tackle last season but would likely move to right tackle or inside to guard to make room for Williams.

"We're talking to John, and we'll just have to continue to visit," Angelo said. "They wanted to explore some things, and we're very understanding of that with free agency just starting. But we certainly want John, and this has nothing to do with that. I want to make that very clear."

Omiyale, who has played in only 11 NFL games, will initially be thrown into the mix at guard but will also get snaps at tackle, where he's had most of his experience. His only start came at left tackle last season. He entered the league as a fifth-round pick of the Falcons in 2005 out of Tennessee Tech.

"How it ultimately comes to fruition, I can't say," Angelo said. "We felt he's a good, young, quality lineman, and then we'll let the players and the coaches determine who gives us our best five out there."

That's fine with the 6-foot-4, 310-pound Omiyale, who signed with the Bears just hours after free agency began Thursday night at 11:01 p.m.

"I'm just trying to get on the field," the 26-year-old Omiyale said. "I hope to be a starter, but I just want the chance to compete for a spot on the line."

Omiyale said the only Bear he knew was St. Clair, and if he re-signs, the two could be competing for the same position, either at right tackle or one of the guard spots.

"That's football," Omiyale said. "I don't have any handle on that."

Angelo reiterated that the Bears' approach in free agency will be low key.

"We'll probably do more exploring than buying at this point," he said, "and at least some of the people I've talked to have echoed the same."