Tinoisamoa could be huge addition to LB corps

Proving they haven't forgotten about the defense, the Bears added standout linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa on Friday, just hours after signing versatile backup lineman Israel Idonije to a two-year extension.

Tinoisamoa (TINO-ee-samoa), a starter in each of his six seasons with the Rams, and their leading tackler in four of those seasons, agreed to a one-year deal. He rejoins former Rams teammate Orlando Pace, the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle who was signed the same day as the trade that brought quarterback Jay Cutler from Denver.

Tinoisamoa becomes the favorite to win the starting job at strong-side linebacker, joining a unit that already includes Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, who have been voted to nine combined Pro Bowls. Midway through last season, Nick Roach won the starting job from Hunter Hillenmeyer, who is still recovering from off-season hernia surgery.

The 6-foot-1 Tinoisamoa is listed at 240 pounds, but he played closer to the 220-pound range last season, which isn't considered a drawback in a Bears defense that values speed and quickness more than size. Tinoisamoa led the Rams with a career-best 104 tackles last season and also had a personal-best 3 sacks.

His presence is expected to create a high level of competition at training camp if the roster remains intact. Other than the three projected starters, plus Roach and Hillenmeyer, the Bears also have fourth-year player Jamar Williams and 2008 seventh-round pick Joey LaRocque, both of whom are productive on special teams. In addition, the Bears also used a fifth-round pick this year on Ohio State's Marcus Freeman, but they may not to keep more than seven linebackers. The 27-year-old Tinoisamoa attracted attention from the Patriots, Bills and Eagles, but the Bears became the favorite after the Patriots signed former Lions linebacker Paris Lenon on Wednesday.