Bears Sign Ex-Rams Center Coleman Shelton

The Los Angeles Rams offensive line is in a bit of flux, following the release of Brian Allen, the free agency entry of Coleman Shelton, and the indecision thus far on Joe Noteboom.

Allen was informed of his release on Wednesday, ending his five-year tenure with Los Angeles. His role waned since the Super Bowl season in 2021, and Shelton ran away with the starting center job. Allen would appear in just three games this season.

Shelton, having passed the playing time marker (55 percent of snaps) to void his contract, has now found a new home, signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears.

The Rams had expressed interest in retaining Shelton, with head coach Sean McVay not so subtly hinting at the possibility last month.

“We’re proactively trying to get that sorted out,” said McVay. “(Shelton is) a player we want to continue with moving forward.”

Shelton, however, will now move on to the NFC North, where the Bears are attempting to build back up to a contender, and are in desperate need of help along the offensive line.

Meanwhile, L.A. has already made other impact moves of their own up front, re-signing Kevin Dotson on a three-year deal $48 million deal, and signing ex-Lions guard Jonah Jackson to a three-year $51 million deal.

The Rams also tendered tackle Alaric Jackson, ensuring he will remain in L.A. barring another decision.

As a result of these moves, it also likely means the move of guard Steve Avila to the center spot in replacement of Shelton, where he has extensive experience during his time in college with TCU.