Bears give tryout to former Notre Dame star Manti Te’o, 2 other linebackers

Te’o hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2017, but is trying to extend his career at 29.

By Jason Lieser

Te’o starred at Notre Dame before the Chargers drafted him in the second round in 2013.

The Bears will hold a tryout for three linebackers this week, including former Notre Dame star Manti Te’o.

Te’o, 29, has been out of the league since playing 34 snaps over three games for the Saints last season. He was a full-time starter for them in 2017 and had 62 tackles and three pass break-ups.

Te’o starred at Notre Dame before the Chargers drafted him in the second round at No. 38 overall. He had 221 tackles in 38 games over four seasons with the Chargers before tearing his Achillies tendon in 2016.

The Bears will also audition former Cardinals, Buccaneers and Giants linebacker Deonne Bucannon and Oklahoma State product Justin Phillips.

The Cardinals drafted Bucannon No. 27 overall out of Washington State in 2014. He had 28 tackles in 14 games for the Bucs and Giants last season.

Phillips has mostly been on the practice squad for the Cowboys and Raiders over the last two seasons, but appeared in four games for the Raiders last season.

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