Jamaal Anderson signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears on Thursday, the team announced via Twitter. Anderson's signing comes on the same day that veteran defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis announced his intention to retire. Anderson has played defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals since being drafted No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2007.
Bears sign Jamaal Anderson to one-year deal
The Bears added Jamaal Anderson to shore up a defensive line in need of depth after Sedrick Ellis’ abrupt retirement Thursday.
Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE
Anderson hasn’t quite lived up to the billing of a top-10 pick. He arguably had his career-best season with the Colts in 2011, when he recorded three sacks among his 24 tackles as a spot player. He was signed by the Bengals for the 2012 season, but he appeared in just two games before losing the rest of his season to a torn quadriceps tendon. The Bengals released Anderson earlier this month.
The Bears are betting that Anderson can regain the form that made him a valuable role player for the Colts. The fact that the Bears were willing to commit to the defensive end could be a sign that he is progressing well from his injury. Just ask Adam Carriker if you would like to know how troublesome quad injuries can be.
Though finances have not yet been revealed, it's safe to guess that the Bears acquired Anderson relatively cheaply. The Bears also lost defensive end Israel Idonije to the Detroit Lions this offseason, giving Anderson an opportunity to make a strong impression this season if he can stay healthy.
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