Fansided

Chicago Bears sign Brian de la Puente to one-year deal

By Patrick Schmidt

September 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) under center Brian De La Puente (60) during the second half of a game against the Washington Redskins at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Redskins defeated the Saints 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
September 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) under center Brian De La Puente (60) during the second half of a game against the Washington Redskins at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Redskins defeated the Saints 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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September 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) under center Brian De La Puente (60) during the second half of a game against the Washington Redskins at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Redskins defeated the Saints 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
September 9, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) under center Brian De La Puente (60) during the second half of a game against the Washington Redskins at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Redskins defeated the Saints 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bears made serious upgrades at their offensive line last season with the hiring of renowned coach Aaron Kromer, free-agent signings of pro bowl left tackle Jermon Bushrod, who played for Kromer with the New Orleans Saints, and Matt Slausen and the drafting of Kyle Long who went to the pro bowl after being taken in the first round and fifth round find Jordan Mills.

The team continued to address the offensive line with the addition of former Saints center Brian de la Puente who signed a one-year deal today to back up Roberto Garza, according to Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune.

The Bears get a three-year starter in de la Puente, 28, and a potential successor to the 35-year-old Garza if he proves worthy and it means the team likely won’t be in the market for a center in next month’s draft.

According to Pro Football Focus, de la Puente ad a +4.0 last year, 16th among centers and was second in 2012 with a +23.0 grade. He became a starter for the Saints when former Bear Olin Kreutz suddenly retired.

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