After having played for four teams in 2017, free agent Kasim Edebali has found a home for 2018. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the linebacker has signed with the Bears. The team has also waived defensive back Tyrin Holloway and wide receiver Shaq Roland.
The 2014 undrafted free agent out of Boston College had spent the first three seasons of his career with the Saints, where he played under Chicago’s current general manager, Ryan Pace. Edebali didn’t miss a regular season game during his tenure in New Orleans, and he compiled eight sacks in three years. The 28-year-old bounced around the league in 2017, spending time with the Broncos, Lions, Rams, and Saints. He ended up appearing in 13 total games, compiling a single tackle.
Edebali will be fighting for a backup gig in Chicago. First-rounder Roquan Smith and former first-round pick Leonard Floyd are slotted in as the starters, with Sam Acho, Aaron Lynch, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, and Jonathan Anderson all competing for reps.