Bears Agree to One-year Deal with Tinoisamoa

With OTAs already in progress, the Chicago Bears are still making some major moves this off-season before the start of training camp. Free-agent linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa agreed to a one-year contract with the Bears after being release by the St. Louis Rams. The 2003 second-round draft pick was selected by the Rams and played under both Lovie Smith when he was St. Louis’ defensive coordinator, and Bob Babich, who was the Rams’ linebackers coach and is presently Chicago’s defensive coordinator. As a rookie, Tinoisamoa led the Rams in tackles with 121. The seven-year veteran will battle for the strong side linebacker position in training camp, and will have a very good chance to win that spot since he his familiar with the Bears’ defensive scheme.

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Tinoisamoa is the eighth veteran the Bears have acquired this off-season via trade or free agency. The others are quarterback Brett Basanez (from the Carolina Panthers), safety Josh Bullocks (New Orleans Saints), quarterback Jay Cutler (Denver Broncos), tight end Michael Gaines (Detroit Lions), left guard Frank Omiyale (Panthers), left tackle Orlando Pace (Rams), and right tackle Kevin Shaffer (Cleveland Browns). Depending on the production of the receiving corps, Chicago still may add to the list of their off-season acquisitions by pursuing a proven number one receiver to add to the roster before the start of training camp.

By Clyde Speller
ProFootball-fans.com Chicago Bears Correspondent