Bears re-sign linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa

With six-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher still working his way back from a dislocated wrist that ended his 2009 season on opening day, the Bears increased their depth and experience at the position by re-signing unrestricted free agent Pisa Tinoisamoa to a one-year contract Monday.

Tinoisamoa, who will be entering his eighth season, signed with the Bears last season as an unrestricted free agent following six productive seasons with the St. Louis Rams.

Although the 6-foot-1, 230-pounder won the starting job at strong-side linebacker, he sprained a knee on the second play of the season and missed the next three games. He returned to start Game Five but suffered another knee injury in his first game back and missed the remainder of the year, finishing the season on injured reserve.

Tinoisamoa, 28, is expected to compete again for the starting job on the strong side. But he will face stiff competition from Nick Roach, who started 15 games last season, including 12 on the strong side. Tinoisamoa led the Rams in tackles in four of his six seasons in St. Louis, where he also intercepted 7 passes and had 10 sacks.

Urlacher and weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs, who led the team with 147 tackles last season, have been voted to 10 Pro Bowls between them, including six by Urlacher. But with Urlacher and Tinoisamoa playing barely one game between them last season, Roach, Hunter Hillenmeyer and Jamar Williams all were asked to make major contributions.

With all six of their top linebackers expected back this season, that position should be one of the strongest on the team.