LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Shortly after acquiring Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler in a blockbuster trade with the Broncos, the Bears on Thursday agreed to terms with free agent offensive tackle Orlando Pace on a three-year contract.
 

Orlando Pace was voted to seven Pro Bowls in 12 seasons with the St. Louis Rams.

Pace, a seven-time Pro Bowler, was cut by the St. Louis Rams on March 10. The first overall pick in the 1997 draft out of Ohio State, the mammoth 6-7, 325-pounder played 12 seasons with the Rams, including three from 2001-03 when Bears coach Lovie Smith was St. Louis’ defensive coordinator.

“We really feel that it gives us a very good offensive line now," said general manager Jerry Angelo. "We’ve had some real good success with veteran players—John Tait, Fred Miller, Ruben Brown—and we felt that Orlando is the same in terms of the mold. He’s a potential Hall of Fame player."

Pace blocked for the NFL MVP in three straight seasons in St. Louis: quarterback Kurt Warner in 1999 and 2001 and running back Marshall Faulk in 2000. Pace also won a Super Bowl ring with the Rams in 1999.

Pace is the third offensive lineman the Bears have added in free agency, following Frank Omiyale and Kevin Shaffer.

"He expressed to us on his visit [Monday] that he wants to play and continue to play and he feels that his health is probably as good as it’s been in a while and he wanted to play here," Angelo said. 

"He and Lovie had a relationship in St. Louis, and we felt he’s another good person, not only in terms of what he brings to our football team as a player, but what he brings to our locker room."