Bears Smart to Add DT Depth with Adams

The Chicago Bears have had arguably one of the best defensive lines in the National Football League the past couple of seasons. However, injuries, free agency and a possible suspension have left the line short of depth; until now.

The Bears signed former San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Anthony Adams to a 4-year contract, giving them one of the better free agent defensive players on the market and filling a position that has become an area of need for the team.

The 6'0", 299 tackle has recorded 97 tackles and 6 sacks in his four seasons with the 49ers and, because of his size, should be a good fit for the Bears' Cover 2 defense.

Normally, Adams would most likely have been signed as a back up player to serve as part of a rotation on the defensive line. However, recent incidents in the Bears' organization will likely increase his playing time.

Last season's starting defensive tackle Tank Johnson is currently serving 120 day prison sentence for various probation violations that included finding numerous unregistered firearms in his home. With NFL commissioner Roger Goodell looking to clean up off-field problems, there is a good chance Johnson will be suspended at some point next season.

In addition, the Bears lost defensive tackle Alfonso Boone to free agency. Boone signed a 4-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs that is worth as much as $7.2 million. Boone started four games last season.

Ian Scott, who primarily played as a backup, was also a free agent following last season and the Bears have made no effort to resign him.

The Bears still have Tommie Harris, who has been a reliable starter for them. However, he suffered a hamstring injury in week 13 last year that caused him to miss the rest of the season. In addition, even though he had 5 sacks in his first four games last year, his production had begun to decline a bit prior to the injury. He finished the season with 28 tackles and 5 sacks.