Bears Sign DL Jaye Howard To 1-Year Deal

By Chris Emma--

(CBS) The Bears have made a major addition to their defensive front just a week removed from the NFL Draft, signing veteran Jaye Howard to one-year deal.

Howard, 28, was at Halas Hall this week for a visit with the Bears and left Wednesday. He received the offer then and agreed to terms Thursday.

Howard should serve as the Bears' third down lineman for coordinator Vic Fangio's 3-4 defense. A 6-foot-3, 302-pound end, Howard fits opposite Akiem Hicks and next to Eddie Goldman as a 5-technique on the line.

During the draft, the Bears selected just one defensive player -- safety Eddie Jackson out of Alabama. There was thought they would look to either Alabama defensive lineman Jonathan Allen or Stanford defensive lineman Solomon Thomas with the No. 3 pick, but general manager Ryan Pace instead traded up a spot to take North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.

Howard became available just days before the draft, released by the Chiefs with a failed physical designation. His departure from Kansas City was a cap-clearing move, coming 13 months removed from a coveted free-agency period for Howard.

In 2015, Howard recorded a career-best 5.5 sacks for the Chiefs. He now joins a budding defense with a handful of new pieces.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.