During a busy day at the Chicago Bears’ headquarters, the team also announced that it has completed a two-year contract extension with defensive lineman Israel Idonije.
According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times, Idonije received $7 million in new money and is under contract through the 2011 season.
Idonije’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, wrote on his Twitter account that the contract includes $3 million in guaranteed money.
“Israel is very excited about continuing his career in Chicago,” Rosenhaus wrote. “It was a smooth negotiation with the Bears and hopefully we can have the same type of success with Israel’s teammate, Adewale Ogunleye.”
Idonije started three games last season and recorded a career-high 28 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks to go with six pass deflections and two tackles for losses.
The former Cleveland Browns undrafted rookie free agent has posted 99 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks in five seasons for the Bears.
Earlier today, the Bears announced that they have signed six of their nine draft picks.