Bears Re-Sign Israel Idonije

Published: 15^th Mar 12 7:11 pm

by chriswicker
chriswicker

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Mike DiNovo-US PRESSWIRE

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Bears have re-signed defensive end Israel Idonije to a 1 year deal. As of right now, Idonije will be the starting DE on the other side of Julius Peppers. However, the Bears could still look for another DE in free agency and use a high pick to draft a DE. But that’s still to be determine and we will find the answer out soon enough.

Idonije has said he would love to come back to Chicago and the Bears made it happen. Idonije is only 31 years old and in 2011, he had 5 sacks. In 2010, Idonije had 8 sacks. He’s not a bad run stopper, though.

Like a lot of the players that the Bears sign/re-sign this off-season, Idonije was signed by the Cleveland Browns in 2003 as an undrafted free agent. However, that did not last long as he was released midway through the season. The Bears were the team to pick him up and he’s been a Bear since the 2004 season. The Bears signed him to a 2-year extension in 2009 and last season, Idonije had a base salary of 2.4 million.

The terms were undisclosed, but I would imagine it will be close to what he made last season. I love Idonije and am happy he’ll be back with the Bears for at least 1 more season.

Other News and Notes:
*New free agent signing Eric Weems was signed to a 3-year deal worth 4.2 million, with 1.5 million in guarantees. Weems will also wear number 14.
*The Washington Redskins signed ex Bears safety Brandon Merriweather.