The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with defensive lineman Israel Idonije on a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday.
The 6-foot-6, 275-pound Idonije returns to the Bears — where he spent nine seasons (2004-12) — after one year in Detroit (2013). Idonije was used sparingly with the Lions, finishing the season with just seven total tackles and half a sack.
For his NFL career, Idonije has started 50 of 149 games played (starting at both defensive end and defensive tackle), registering 273 tackles, 29 sacks, 40 tackles for losses, six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries. He has added 36 special teams tackles and eight blocked kicks.
Over the last four seasons (2010-13), including three with the Bears (2010-12), Idonije has recorded 21 sacks, 33 tackles for losses, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Idonije was the Chicago Ed Block Courage Award recipient in 2009 and was the Bears’ Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2009 and 2010, including being one of three finalists for the league award in 2010.