Bears re-sign 4 free agents

The Bears have re-signed DE Israel Idonije, S Craig Steltz, TE Kellen Davis and QB Josh McCown.

Idonije was signed to a one-year deal.  The 31 year-old defensive end had only five sacks in 2011 after having 8 in 2010.  While not a high-sack total kind of guy, Idonije plays with a high motor and has been called the most underrated Bears defensive lineman by multiple head coaches who have played against the Bears.  This move gives the Bears some flexibility with the 19^th pick in the upcoming draft.  While we could certainly use some youth at the position, having him here again gives us the flexibility to go elsewhere in the draft (maybe OT?) if a talented prospect falls to us there.

Craig Steltz signed a two-year deal to stay with the Bears.  The key special teams contributor was also called upon to play quite a bit of safety late in the year due to injuries.  According to Pro Football Focus, he was one of only nine safeties to play 25% of their team’s snaps and not miss a tackle on passing plays.  His re-signing gives us some depth at safety, which has seen almost constant turnover under Lovie Smith, and lets Dave Toub keep one of his key special teamers.

The Bears also re-signed Kellen Davis, a 6’7” 260lb tight end to a two year contract.  Under-utilized in Mike Martz’ offense, Davis has the athleticism to potentially be a potent threat for the Bears offense.  Drafted four years ago, Davis has always intrigued the Bears due to his size and speed but he was buried on the depth chart during his first two seasons in Chicago.  During the last two, under Mike Martz as offensive coordinator, the tight end position was rarely utilized in the passing game and Lovie Smith and Phil Emery were apparently not ready to let him go without seeing if he can be as productive as they think he can in an offense that’s much better suited to take advantage of his skills.

The Bears also re-signed QB Josh McCown who should compete with Nathan Enderle for the third QB job.  McCown fared pretty well in his two starts at the end of last year and he is the favorite to hold onto that third-string QB position.  With newly signed Jason Campbell and McCown now behind Cutler, the Bears depth at QB, the debilitating weakness which brought disaster to a promising 2011, is now a position of strength.  Just knowing that these guys are in position in case disaster strikes again should lead to significantly fewer sleepless nights for Bears fans everywhere.