Bears Sign Austen Lane

The Bears have signed defensive lineman Austen Lane, according to a tweet by his agent, Scott Smith.

Lane, 26, was a 2010 fifth-round-pick of the Jaguars out of Murray State. He was released in 2013, and spent time with both the Chiefs and the Lions last season, but did not record any statistics. While in Jacksonville, he played under current Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.

The Bears’ defensive line struggled last season, due to both injuries and ineffectiveness. Tackle Henry Melton is a free agent and coming off a torn ACL, and end Julius Peppers is a candidate for release. 2012 first-round-pick Shea McClellin‘s play was lackluster, and the team has since announced plans to move him to linebacker.

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