The Bears gave offensive lineman Tony Mandarich an offer sheet on a three-year, $3 million contract Saturday. The Indianapolis Colts have until Friday to match the deal.
After three years out of football, Mandarich signed a two-year contract with the Colts in 1996 that gave the Colts right of first refusal for a third season. The 6-foot-5-inch, 324-pound former first-round pick of the Packers started all 16 games for the Colts last season at right tackle. The Bears are considering him for right guard.
Mandarich, 31, was the second pick in the 1989 draft after Dallas chose quarterback Troy Aikman, but he failed to live up to the potential he showed at Michigan State. A thyroid problem and post-concussion syndrome led to an early retirement.
The Bears have signed one ex-Packer, running back Edgar Bennett. Another, safety George Teague, will visit Monday. Teague played with Miami last season. The Bears also have expressed interest in former Philadelphia-Arizona-Jacksonville defensive end Clyde Simmons.