3 former Rams who won’t live up to their new contracts

Not every NFL team's cup of tea

The Chicago Bears and former Interior offensive lineman Cody Whitehair have parted ways. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 316 pounds, Whitehair has been a fixture on the Bears offensive line for eight NFL seasons. But now at 31 years old, and after a poor season (Per Pro Football Focus), he is trying to land a new contract with a new NFL team.

The Bears have signed former Rams versatile interior offensive lineman Coleman Shelton, presumably to start for the Bears in 2024. Shelton has a better season than Whitehair and signed a relatively inexpensive contract for a projected NFL starter, a one-year deal for $3 million. But Shelton may not be everybody's cup of tea.

Much like now-retired Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center Jason Kelce, Shelton is a bit lighter and more athletic than typical NFL offensive centers. That results in a better than expected ability to run block, but a less than expected ability to stand his ground and handle bigger defensive nose tackles who are rushing the passer.

And the difference in styles can be as dramatic to fans as the difference between ketchup or mustard, coffee or tea, and mayonnaise and miracle whip. If you love big centers, then a smallish athletic center like Shelton will never satisfy you. And if you love smaller athletic centers, then Coleman Shelton is a breath of fresh air.

Whether Shelton starts at center or guard for the Bears is less important than the fact that he is an athletic type of blocker who willingly engages in multiple blocks on running plays. But against huge successful nose tackles, he may need the help of an offensive guard or chip from a running back to hold his ground.

Not all fans appreciate Shelton's style. If too many protest on social media, then I fear his starting role may be in peril.