LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears announced Thursday that have moved offensive tackle John Tait from their active roster to the reserve/retired list.
Tait, a 10-year NFL veteran who spent the past five years with the Bears, is expected to retire. He was the 14th overall pick in the 1999 draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Bears are hoping to re-sign free-agent tackle John St. Clair, who played on the left side last season, and move him to the right side vacated by Tait. Chris Williams, the team's 2008 top pick and whose rookie season was slowed by back problems, would then man the left side.
Earlier this offseason, the Bears added depth to their offensive line by agreeing to a four-year contract with free-agent offensive lineman Frank Omiyale. Earlier this week, they released veteran lineman Terrence Metcalf.
On Thursday, the Bears also re-signed defensive back Marcus Hamilton to a one-year contract. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
