Bears take massive step in solving big problem with Neville Gallimore signing

After all the issues with the defensive line, the Chicago Bears might have found at least one step toward a solution as they make the first signing since the tampering period opened.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Bears signed former Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Neville Gallimore to a two-year, $12 million contract. Gallimore was only with the Colts for one season as he previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Rams.

Last season with the Colts, Gallimore recorded 38 tackles, six quarterback hits, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and three pass deflections in 17 games. Pro Football Focus graded him out at a 56.6, the 77th highest out of 134 interior defensive linemen in the NFL.

Bears sign defensive tackle Neville Gallimore

The Bears had some depth concerns at defensive tackle after losing multiple players to free agency. After the poor performance of Grady Jarrett from last year, Chicago needed to get some help on the defensive tackle position.

Chicago's biggest issue with the team last season was the lack of support on the defensive line. The Bears had only 35 sacks this season, fewer than six teams had last year.

Gallimore had been a solid starter in the NFL, but he is not the long-term solution at defensive tackle for the Bears. Gervon Dexter is the top defensive tackle on the team, but Gallimore and Jarrett will most likely split reps and compete for the starting job on the defensive line.

The Bears should still target adding a defensive tackle in the NFL Draft within the first three rounds of the draft. They have been attached to names like Florida's Caleb Banks in the first or second round.

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Watch for the Bears to keep building on what they added during the early part of free agency.