Bears sign defensive lineman Mitch Unrein

Bears coach John Fox added a familiar face to his team on Friday.

The Bears signed defensive end Mitch Unrein, a day after he was released by San Diego Chargers. Unrein, who went undrafted out of Wyoming in 2010, spent the past four seasons with Fox in Denver, appearing in 54 games for the Broncos.

Unrein is expected to play on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. He should have a role on special teams. The Bears waived lineman Lavar Edwards, who made his Bears debut against the Arizona Cardinals, to make room for Unrein.

“He’s kind of the football character we’re looking for,” Fox said. “He can contribute in some other areas on fourth down. We felt like it was a move that could make us better.”

Unrein is happy to be back with Fox and special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers. He’ll wear No. 76.

“I obviously know a lot of the special teams stuff, kickoff return and stuff like that,” Unrein said. “They’re going to kind of have a specific role for me, so I don’t need to know the whole defensive playbook, just certain things.”

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