The Chicago Bears’ defensive line has seen quite a bit of movement since free agency began. That continued late Wednesday night when the team reportedly agreed to a deal with former Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Angelo Blackson, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Blackson, who agreed to a two-year deal, started nine games for the Cardinals in 2020. He totaled 24 tackles and two and a half sacks while playing in all 16 games. Terms of his contract were not yet disclosed.
The 28-year old was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons with there before winding up with the Houston Texans in 2017. Blackson was cut prior to the 2020 season and was picked up by the Cardinals.
The #Bears have agreed to terms with defensive linemen Angelo Blackson on a 2-year contract, source said. A productive player this year for AZ, now an addition to a talented Chicago defensive front.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2021
Now with the Bears, Blackson joins a defensive line that recently said goodbye to Roy Robertson-Harris and re-signed Mario Edwards in the span of a few days. The signing could be an indicator that defensive end Brent Urban, also a free agent, is headed elsewhere too. But if the Bears are good at one thing, it’s stocking the defensive line with solid players through free agency and the draft.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace has done well with finding productive rotational defensive linemen over the years. Robertson-Harris, Edwards, and Urban are all prime examples and played key roles for the Bears during their time in Chicago. Perhaps Blackson is the next hidden gem.
