Chicago Bears sign TE Matthew Mulligan, claim WR/KR Josh Bellamy off waivers

Phil Emery keeps ticking on, as the Bears continue to add to their roster.

Part of the group of players (along with QB Josh Freeman) who were brought in for a workout on Monday, the Bears have announced the signing of six-year veteran tight end Matthew Mulligan to a one-year deal; the 6-4, 267-pounder, who entered the league as an undrafted rookie out of Maine, has started 24 games in five seasons and made 65 appearances in total with the Jets, Rams and Patriots.

Considered, according to Jeff Dickerson, "a classic in-line blocker who is somewhat limited in the passing game". he'll likely compete with Dante Rosario for the blocking TE role.  His receiving stats - 16 catches for 160 yards, 2 TDs - aren't impressive, but they're still 16 catches, 160 yards and 2 TDs more than Eben Britton and, if he can win the role, could reduce the amount of playing time seen by the latter.

In other roster news, the Bears were awarded wide receiver and special teams player Josh Bellamy after he was waived by Washington.  Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012 by the Chiefs, for whom Phil Emery was the director of college scouting at the time, he spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad but did appear in three games and returned five kickoffs for 101 yards; he has appeared in 8 career games in total and also plays on special teams coverage units.  Presumably, he'll compete with Eric Weems and former CFL player Chris Williams.

As we've come to expect from our general manager, why settle for one candidate to fill a role when you can have competition?  Are you happy with this approach?