March 24--PHOENIX -- The Chicago Bears continued adding pieces to rebuild their defense Tuesday as defensive end Jarvis Jenkins agreed to terms on a one-year contract.
Jenkins is traveling to Chicago and the deal will be official after he passes his physical.
Jenkins has been exchanging messages with free-agent linebacker Mason Foster, leading one to believe he could be coming on board as well.
Jenkins, who turns 27 next month, started 33 games over the previous three seasons for the Washington Redskins. At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, he's the first addition to the defense who will be lined up at end. He was credited with 28 tackles last season.
A second-round draft pick in 2011 from Clemson, Jenkins missed his rookie season after suffering a torn ACL in preseason. He's not going to be a playmaker in the Bears' front but the end position isn't called on to do a lot of that. He has two career sacks, both in 2013. Jenkins has proved durable since his rookie season and was on the field for more than 50 percent of his team's snaps a year ago.
The one-year contract is for the minimum salary benefit, according to a source, and contains a partial guarantee.
The Bears have been bargain shopping since an initial push in free agency landed them outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, wide receiver Eddie Royal and safety Antrel Rolle.
If the Bears do sign Foster, it's expected he will also be on a one-year contract. He wasn't a good fit as a middle linebacker in Lovie Smith's 4-3 defense in Tampa Bay. He would likely project as an inside linebacker and a two-down player for the Bears.
We'll see if it was more than just chatter between Jenkins and Foster as the day unfolds.
