The Chicago Bears made minor news on Monday when it was reported that they will be re-signing outside linebacker Sam Acho. Acho was a useful addition to the defense last year and bringing him back is a smart, inexpensive move by GM Ryan Pace.
Pace, John Fox and Vic Fangio became big fans of Acho last season. He filled in admirably at OLB at the beginning of the season when Lamarr Houston and Willie Young were coming back from injuries, and even when they returned he proved to be a useful rotational player as well.
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Another thing that Acho has going for him is that he’s a great presence in the locker room. He’s a younger player at 27-years old, but he is well-liked and has a great work ethic which rubs off well on the other rotational players and up and coming rookies.
Most importantly, Acho is a great asset on special teams. This type of signing shows that Pace understood the deficiencies this team had on special teams at times last season and is reinvesting into making that unit productive. The re-signing of Acho, as well as the signing of Chris Prosinski last week gives the Bears two special teamers that can make an impact on Sundays, even if it isn’t regularly on defense.
While no means a major signing, Acho will help strengthen the defensive and special teams unit and keep a good presence in the locker room. While Pace is yet to address the secondary and needs to strengthen the tight end position, he continues to impress with intelligent low-risk signings.
Next: Chicago Bears Still with Major Holes in Secondary
Bill Zimmerman is an editor and featured writer for FanSided‘s BearGogglesOn. Like his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter for more news and interaction.