Bears Sign Anderson: Linebacker James Anderson Joins Chicago NFC Team
The Chicago Bears are in defense mode.
The NFC North team signed linebacker James Anderson on Sunday with a one-year contract.
Anderson, 29, is a former Carolina Panther who finished sixth in the NFL in tackles in 2011, according to The Chicago Tribune. Last season he missed the final four games because of shoulder and back injuries. He has been in the NFL for seven years.
"I am just reaching my peak right now," Anderson said, according to the publication. "I am definitely still in my prime. This is the best I have felt at this point in the off-season in years. I feel like I am on my way up."
Anderson will be in position to take over the strong side of the defense and replace former Bears linebacker Nick Roach, who was lost in free agency and signed with the Oakland Raiders on March 22.
In Carolina, Anderson set a single-game record against the New York Giants in September 2012 with 20 tackles, according to The Daily Herald. He also played the most games for a linebacker in Carolina history by reaching 94.
The Bears also recently lost legendary linebacker Brian Urlacher and linebacker Geno Hayes.
