A day after adding Chilo Rachal to their offensive line, the Bears have added to their linebacker corps.
Geno Hayes, formerly of the Buccaneers, has agreed to terms on a contract, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Hayes, who doesn’t turn 25 until August, replaced Bucs star Derrick Brooks in the starting lineup in 2009 and started 42 games for Tampa over the last three years. He got dropped from the starting lineup late last season and finished the year with 64 tackles.
Hayes fits the profile of what the Bears are looking for at outside linebacker, although it’s unclear if the team views him as a potential starter. Biggs wonders if he might push Nick Roach on the strong-side, but the Bears were in need of an experienced backup so Hayes would fit if he’s in that role.
There’s been talk about the Bears grabbing some linebackers in the draft to add some youth to a group that’s on the older side. They could still do that, but Hayes’ acquisition gives them a bit more flexibility than they previously had in that department.