On the same day he was released by the San Diego Chargers, the Chicago Bears signed defensive lineman Mitch Unrein, who will immediately play into the team’s plans on the defensive line. Unrein is a five-year NFL veteran, who joined the Chargers this off season after spending the first four years of his career with the Denver Broncos. The move was first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Former #Chargers DL Mitch Unrein has already found work. Source said he's flying to Chicago to sign with the #Bears. Will help immediately
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 25, 2015
Unrein has never been a consistent starter, but he is a nice depth piece for the Bears to add on their defensive front. Head coach John Fox had plenty of time with Unrein in Denver, and obviously he liked what he saw, bringing him back to help this Bears’ team that has struggled mightily on defense early-on.
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With his zero career sacks, Unrein is not going to help the Bears’ pass rush much. He will however, give them a solid presence up front as a run defender from the five-technique defensive end position. The Bears’ transition to Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense has not exactly gone according to plan so far.
I am not saying Unrein is going to be a huge difference maker, but he is a solid run defender who gives the team some much-needed depth. Expect to see the big (6-foot-4, 306 pounds) and powerful Unrein quickly become a part of the Bears’ defensive rotation.
This move has officially been announced by the Bears. To make room for Unrein on the active roster, the team has waived defensive lineman Lavar Edwards.
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