The Chicago Bears kicked off the new year by addressing their offensive line depth, claiming Jordan McFadden off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers.
McFadden, a versatile lineman capable of playing multiple positions, was waived by the Chargers ahead of their Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans.
This move comes as the Bears aim to reinforce an offensive line that struggled throughout the 2024 season. Quarterback Caleb Williams endured a league-high 68 sacks, and while some were attributed to the young QB holding the ball too long, few observers would describe the Bears’ O-line as functional.
While McFadden’s addition isn’t groundbreaking, he has the potential to become a valuable depth piece if he develops.
New Bears OL Jordan McFadden: Career Overview
Selected in the fifth round (156th overall) by the Chargers in 2023, McFadden played in 12 games during his rookie season, starting two. He logged 163 offensive snaps, accounting for 20% of the Chargers’ total offensive plays, and contributed 12 snaps on special teams (4%).
However, his role diminished significantly in 2024, with McFadden appearing in just one game and playing a single offensive snap. Despite experimenting with him at fullback and tight end during training camp, the Chargers ultimately decided to waive him.
College Success at Clemson
McFadden enjoyed an impressive collegiate career at Clemson, where he played from 2018 to 2022 after excelling as a multi-sport athlete at Dorman High School. A three-star recruit, he earned the title of State Lineman of the Year before joining the Tigers.
After redshirting his freshman year, McFadden saw limited action in 2019, playing 315 snaps as a reserve tackle. He emerged as the starting right tackle in 2020, helping Clemson lead the ACC with fewer than two sacks allowed per game. In 2021, McFadden transitioned to left tackle, leading the team with 872 offensive snaps.
His senior season in 2022 was his best, as he was named a permanent team captain and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to the ACC’s top blocker. He earned first-team All-ACC honors, starting all 14 games and amassing 989 offensive snaps, tying for the fourth-most by an offensive tackle in Clemson history.
Bears’ O-Line Needs in 2025
The Bears face significant challenges across the offensive line heading into the 2025 season. Injuries and instability have plagued the group, with 13 different players rotating through the line in 2024. Only two linemen played more than 85% of the snaps, according to Windy City Gridiron.
With four picks in the top 72 of the upcoming NFL draft, the Bears have an opportunity to invest heavily in their offensive line. Additionally, free agency will be key to providing better protection for Caleb Williams and improving the running game.
While McFadden’s role may be limited to a depth piece, his versatility at tackle could make him a valuable asset for a team in desperate need of stability on the line.
Leave a Reply