Bears Sign Safety Brandon Meriweather

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Bears have signed free-agent safety Brandon Meriweather to a one-year contract.

The former Patriots safety was cut by New England on Saturday.

A Pro Bowler the past two seasons, Meriweather has 12 interceptions over the last three seasons, good for fourth most by a safety in the NFL during that time.

Drafted in the first round in 2007, Meriweather has 244 tackles, 12 interceptions, 27 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 2 sacks in his career.

Coming out of preseason, the Bears had some concerns about depth at safety with backups Craig Steltz and Chris Conte both suffering injuries in the final preseason game. The extent of their injuries is unknown.