The Bears might be ready to test the notion that you can’t go home again.
Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune reports that the team is talking about signing Tommie Harris to provide depth on the interior of the defensive line. With Amobi Okoye gone and Anthony Adams cut, the Bears have space open in the rotation. Harris would likely give them a pass rushing option since he was more effective rushing the passer last season than Stephen Paea or Matt Toeaina despite playing fewer snaps.
The Bears cut Harris in February 2011 because he was scheduled to make $5.3 million and injuries had forced him to take a lesser role on the defense. He signed with the Colts, but got cut before the season and wound up with the Chargers after they ran short of players on their defensive front. He had three sacks as a situational player in San Diego, so he can still be useful even if his knee problems have taken away some of what made him a strong player in his first stint with the Bears.
Harris said he was overwhelmed by the amount of support the Bears organization gave him when his wife died in February. If he winds up back with the team, he may be able to give them a different kind of support on the field.