On the latest podcast, we praised the Chicago Bears for signing young pass rusher Lamarr Houston to a long-term deal at the outset of free agency. We like what they did on Thursday, too.
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The Bears have agreed to terms on a three-year contract with former Detroit Lions defensive end Willie Young, the team announced. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported the terms as $9 million with $4 million in guarantees, according to a source who's seen the contract.
Young, 28, spent the past four years in Detroit, but it wasn't until last season that he saw extended playing time, starting 15 games and piling up three sacks for the Lions. He ranked as our No. 8 free-agent defensive lineman after outplaying first-round pick Ziggy Ansah for parts of 2013.
His 48 quarterback hurries ranked behind only Brian Robison and Robert Quinn. Young also played well against the run. He brings a nasty streak to a Bears defense that now has, in Young and Houston, two athletic edge rushers who are entering the sweet spot of their careers.
It's an upgrade for Chicago, which had David Bass penciled in at end across from Houston after releasing veteran Julius Peppers. With Shea McClellin moving to linebacker, the Bears still need more depth on the edges, but adding Young lines up as a signing with upside in the Windy City.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" recaps the wild start of free agency.
