Bears News: Ryan Pace brings back depth at nose tackle

Bears News: Ryan Pace brought John Jenkins back for a second stint with the team.

Ryan Pace brought us some Bears news as he added some depth to the roster by bringing back John Jenkins on a one-year deal. We are waiting on the numbers, but I would not expect it to be a very lucrative deal. Think something closer to the veteran minimum.

Jenkins was in Miami last season and played in all 16 games. He started in five and recorded 34 tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss. He also got his big mitts on a ball for a pass deflection. He saw 43 percent of the defensive snaps and 20 percent on special teams.

By no means is bringing Jenkins back going to do much for the team. If they find that the defensive is relying on him to start because Eddie Goldman went down with a season-ending injury the team will be in trouble. That said, Jenkins is a solid rotational backup who can step in when needed. He is a big body at 6’3″ and 327lbs who likes to eat up space.

Jenkins was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2013. His best season was in 2015 when he recorded 49 tackles and started 12 games. He has been a backup for most of his career. With the Bears not drafting a defensive tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft, it only makes sense that they went looking for help in free agency.

Bringing back Jenkins may seem odd as both Matt Nagy and Chuck Pagon were not coaching here in Chicago. However, Pace was still the general manager and more importantly, Jay Rodgers was the defensive line coach in 2017 just as he is in 2020. Whenever you can add a guy who already knows the concepts and language, it makes the transition easier — especially in a strange year like this one when offseason programs are not going to be as expected.

Again, do not get too excited about this move. That said, whenever you can add solid depth to a position in the NFL you must do it. Jenkins will not make the team more explosive but he will make the team better.