Chicago Bears Bring Back Idonije
Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Israel Idonije (77) looks on as referee Bill Leavy calls a penalty at the end of the game against the Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Izzy didn’t exactly have a standout year with the Lions, coming up with only half a sack and 11 tackles. Idonije had a stellar season for the Bears in 2012, so the hope is that he’ll be able to rekindle the fire that he had a couple of years ago.
Bringing back the 34-year old D-lineman doesn’t exactly have the Bears getting any younger, but the one-year deal certainly gives the Bears even more versatility along their defensive front. I am afraid that the move could spell the end of the line for Corey Wootton, who took on Izzy’s swing lineman role last season. Wootton kicked inside when injuries devastated the Bears defensive tackle position. Wootton played through a hip injury that required offseason surgery from which he’s not recovered.
The free agent waters also get a little murkier for the well-traveled Henry Melton. Melton has been on a world tour of NFL teams including the Seahawks, Cowboys and Rams in the last few days. Melton may be trying to force a multi-year deal for bigger money rather than playing a one-year “prove it” deal while coming off a season-ending ACL injury.
You have to believe that the Bears will look to add at least one or two defensive linemen in the draft. They’ve been linked to Aaron Donald and Timmy Jernigan in many mock drafts. Either would be a great fit for the Bears and their evolving defensive line.
What do you think of the move? Does Izzy have anything left in the tank? What other moves to the Bears need to make on the defensive line?
Welcome back Izzy and of course…