Chicago Bears Offensive Lineman Manny Ramirez Retires
Bears offensive lineman Manny Ramirez retires after signing one year deal this offseason
Manuel “Manny” Ramirez has suddenly announced his retirement from the NFL. The 33-year-old offensive lineman was recently signed by the Bears on a one-year contract worth just under $1 million.
Ramirez was expected to push sophomore center Hroniss Grasu and be a quality back-up in-case of injury.
The Bears also drafted Cody Whitehair in the second round this year to start at left guard.
#Bears offensive lineman Manny Ramirez, who started for the #Lions and #Broncos from 2007-2014, has retired from the game.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 8, 2016
Ramirez played eight seasons in the NFL with two stints with the Detroit Lions and four years for the Denver Broncos. He played in all 16 games last year, but was benched after just seven. games
The veteran lineman was traded back to the Lions on draft night in 2015 when the Broncos traded up to draft Shane Ray in the 1st round. The Broncos then went on to win the Super Bowl just last season.
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The Lions had previously selected Ramirez in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech. The team traded up for the versatile offensive lineman with the St. Louis Rams for two fifth round picks. The Rams would take Dustin Fry and Clifton Ryan with those two picks.
Pro Football Focus ranked Ramirez the fourth best center in the NFL last year with limited snaps. Although he played all across the offensive line as a guard on either side of the line despite being benched at the mid-point of the season.
His strength as a run blocking interior lineman made him valuable whenever he was on the field.
The Bears may have to look into the remaining free agent pool if they desire a quality back-up center to help mentor Grasu. Former Bear Will Montgomery is still available coming off a one-year deal with the Bears.