Chicago Bears sign free-agent defensive tackle Jenkins
The Bears made a big addition to their defensive line - literally - by signing free-agent tackle John Jenkins to a one-year contract.
The 6-foot-3, 359-pound, four-year veteran was originally a third-round draft pick (82nd overall) of the Saints when Bears general manager Ryan Pace was in the New Orleans personnel department.
Jenkins could factor as a two-down interior lineman because of his effectiveness against the run and ability to occupy blockers. He has started 22 games, including 12 at nose tackle in 2015, when he had a career-best 49 tackles.
But the former Georgia Bulldog was cut by the Saints last season after seven games and signed by the Seattle Seahawks. Between the two teams, Jenkins had a career-low 13 tackles.
A year ago the Bears added free-agent defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, also a former Saint, who was arguably their most valuable defensive player in 2016.
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