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NFL Free Agency 2014: Chicago Bears sign Israel Idonije

By Josh Hill

Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Israel Idonije (71) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Israel Idonije (71) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Israel Idonije (71) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Israel Idonije (71) against the Minnesota Vikings at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chicago Bears have arranged a homecoming for defensive end Israel Idonije, who will be returning the Windy City on a deal that brings Idonije to the team he was on as recently as 2012. The exact terms of the deal are not known, but it’s clear that the Bears have landed another weapon on their defensive front.

Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk reported news of the deal.

Idonije spent the 2013 season with the Detroit Lions after spending the last few with the Bears in Chicago. While he’s not the most explosive edge rusher in the league, he’s at the very least a serviceable pass rusher who can provide depth and is familiar with the defense in Chicago.

Things have changed since Idonije was last with the Bears, as Lovie Smith is gone and so are most of his defensive teammates from that 2012 squad, but he still provides some familiarity for the fans and has the talent to possible even start on the defensive line.

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