The Chicago Bears made an important move Tuesday to sure up their defensive line.
The Bears inked defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis to a one-year contract. Ellis had spent his entire five-year career with the New Orleans Saints before signing with Chicago. The Saints drafted Ellis seventh overall in 2008, in hopes that he would blossom into a star. While Ellis did not develop into the player the Saints thought he would, he is still known around the league as a dependable option at defensive tackle. Ellis was a starter in all 70 of his games for the Saints.
The signing of Ellis is not all good news for Bears fans, as the move all but ensures the Bears have little interest in re-signing former defensive tackle Israel Idonije.
The 6’1”, 307 lbs Ellis joins fellow Bears defensive tackles Henry Melton and Stephen Paea on the roster, meaning that Ellis will probably have to rotate in as a reserve. Ellis provides the Bears D-line with some significant depth, as he has compiled 173 tackles (98 solo) and 12.5 sacks over his career.
The Bears defensive looks to maintain their reputation for excellence in 2013, following the retirement of team leader Brian Urlacher.
