Bears Bring Back Israel Idonije

Pro Football Talk reports that the Bears and Idonije have agreed on a new contract

The Chicago Bears agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract with defensive lineman Israel Idonije and are bringing him back for a second stint.

They also added depth at safety, agreeing to one-year deals with Craig Steltz and Danny McCray.

Idonije spent last season with Detroit after playing his first nine for Chicago. He had just 11 tackles and a half-sack with the Lions, but played some of the best ball of his career toward the end of his time with the Bears.

He had 20-1/2 sacks over his last three seasons with Chicago. At 33, he doesn't give the Bears the youth they're seeking. But with his ability to play end or tackle, he does provide the versatility they're looking for as they revamp a struggling defense.

Steltz, who made one start at safety last season, has been a key part of the Bears' special teams. McCray was primarily used there last season with Dallas.

The Bears have been busy of late, releasing defensive end Julius Peppers and bringing back cornerback Charles Tillman on a one-year deal. They have two new ends in Willie Young and Lamarr Houston, and they've also added Ryan Mundy and M.D. Jennings to the mix at safety.

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