Looking to upgrade a defensive line struggling with injuries as well as performance issues, the Bears signed Mitch Unrein, a 6-foot-4, 306-pound defensive tackle who played five seasons with the Denver Broncos, the last four under coach John Fox.
To make roster room the Bears waived defensive end Lavar Edwards, who played against Arizona.
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Unrein, who made the Broncos in 2010 as an undrafted rookie out of Wyoming, gives the Bears some much-needed mass up front with nose tackle Jeremiah Ratliff not due back from suspension until after Week 3 and also getting over an ankle injury.
Unrein may give the Bears a little muscle on offense as well. He has lined up as a fullback (the Bears do not have one of those one their roster) and caught a touchdown pass from Peyton Manning in 2012. Unrein had been with the San Diego Chargers, signing in March but was waived on Sept. 15 in order to make roster space for tight end Kyle Miller.
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“He’s kind of the football character we’re looking for,” Fox said. “I think he can contribute in some other areas on fourth down [special teams]. We felt like it was a move that could make us better.”