Nick Roach signs two-year deal

The Bears ensured continuity at linebacker by signing former Northwestern standout Nick Roach to a two-year deal worth $4.5 million, including $2 million guaranteed.

Undrafted out of Northwestern, Roach opened his career on the San Diego Chargers practice squad in 2007 but was added to the 53-man roster by the Bears during the season.

Roach had his best season in 2009, when he had 75 tackles in 15 starts with two sacks and three forced fumbles. But he only started six games last season.

Six teams were interested in Roach, but the figures weren’t compelling enough to leave the continuity of the Bears.

“It’s an opportunity to be the guy,” agent Josh Wright said. “He really wanted to remain a Bear, so it would have taken a very special offer for him to leave.”

Roach has already arrived here in Bourbonnais but it’s unclear if we’ll get a chance to speak to him.