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Defensive tackle has been a need for the Bears since Henry Melton and Nate Collins were lost for the season and Stephen Paea's been fighting off nagging injuries for a while now. Today, the Bears signed a player that, while not currently healthy, is expected to play in the long run - according to ESPN's Ed Werder, the Bears have signed Jay Ratliff.
Former Cowboys DT Jay Ratliff has agreed to 1-year contract to join Bears. Will play against Cowboys later this month
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) November 2, 2013
Ratliff is still recovering from a hamstring injury and won't be ready for at least a couple weeks. The Bears play the Cowboys on December 9 [citation provided].
I'm told Bears certainly sold Jay Ratliff on opportunity to play vs Cowboys if he signed there. Met Jay Cutler and Julius Peppers on visit
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) November 2, 2013
Ratliff hasn't played since last November and had surgery for a sports hernia in December.
Confirmation of the signing by the Tribune's Rich Campbell.
Free agent DT Jay Ratliff has agreed to a one-year deal with the Bears, his agent, Mark Slough confirms.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) November 2, 2013