Chicago Bears Sign OLB Dan Skuta

Sep 25, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Ricky Wagner (71) blocks Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Dan Skuta (55) during the second half of a football game at EverBank FieldThe Baltimore Ravens won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens tackle Ricky Wagner (71) blocks Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Dan Skuta (55) during the second half of a football game at EverBank FieldThe Baltimore Ravens won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears added depth to their linebackers by signing OLB Dan Skuta.

When the Chicago Bears were devastated by injuries last season, it became evident that the team was sorely lacking in depth. The Bears simply didn’t have enough competent bodies to fill-in for their injured players and clearly one of Ryan Pace’s offseason goals was to improve the depth on the roster at as many positions as possible.

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The Bears continued that work today by adding free agent OLB Dan Skuta to a 1-year contract. Skuta is an 8-year veteran that has spent the last two seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Skuta’s connection to this team though is that in 2013 and 2014 he played with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio on the San Francisco 49ers.

Skuta stands 6’2, 250 lbs and has been a solid depth piece for the Jaguars, 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals during his career. Skuta isn’t much of a pass rusher, tallying only seven career sacks over his eight seasons but he’s considered a very solid tackler who should be able to help provide stability for the Bears’ run defense.

Skuta is also a solid special teams contributor. The Bears could use some help in that category as well. Skuta isn’t a flashy name and won’t make too much of a dent on the stat sheet, but he should make the roster come September and help provide the Bears with another extra body on defense they can rely on when the injuries mount over the course of the season.

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