The Sun-Times has confirmed an earlier report that Nick Roach will become a Bear after he passes a physical. The team is expected to make an announcement later today or Wednesday.
The former Northwestern product was flying here from San Diego this afternoon after agreeing to sign a multi-year contract. He will take the place of cornerback Ade Jimoh on the 53-man roster, and could be contributing on special teams soon.
Roach, who attended Milwaukee Lutheran High School, drew interest from a handful of clubs in recent weeks and San Diego had taken steps to keep him around. He joins the Bears in time to be on the active roster for the final six games, giving him credit for an accrued season toward free agency. He signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent, although the Bears had interest in him and had him in on their pro day in April.
A broken lower right leg suffered last fall in Northwesterns game with Michigan State shelved Roach, who is 6-foot, 234 pounds. He had surgery to repair it and many teams wanted to see how he would hold up going through training camp. He did well for San Diego and will have a chance to show the Bears what he can do first on special teams while he learns the defense.
