(670 The Score) The Bears are bolstering their defense with a key presence to the pass rusher.
Veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue signed a one-year, $10.5-million deal with the Bears, the team announced on Friday. Ngakoue arrived to Halas Hall and made his deal official.
“I just felt like it was the right fit for me," Ngakoue said.
Ngakoue, 28, was the top free-agent pass rusher available. He has 65 sacks over seven NFL seasons and no fewer than eight in a season. In 2022, Ngakoue has 9.5 sacks with the Colts.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has been open about the team's pursuit of a veteran pass rusher. Chicago was led last season in sacks by safety Jaquan Brisker, who had just four.
Ngakoue is expected to take the field for practice on Saturday.
The Bears also reached a deal with veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, the team announced Friday.
Lewis, 39, is entering his 18th year in the NFL after playing a dozen seasons with the Jaguars and five years with the Packers. He has 39 career touchdowns over 251 games.
The Bears have yet to announce corresponding roster moves.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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