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Chicago Bears officially sign Outside Linebacker Pernell McPhee

It was widely reported on Monday, but it's finally official today. The Chicago Bears have signed outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens.

By Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. Updated
Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The Chicago Bears are giving former part time player Pernell McPhee a 5 year deal worth $40 million, with $16 million of it guaranteed. Even though he didn't start a single game in 2013 or 2014 for the Baltimore Ravens, he was one of the top available edge defenders according to most publications. He had 7.5 sacks, a forced fumble and 4 passes defended last year while playing as a versatile super-sub.

And when I tell you that McPhee can line up all over the defensive front, I literally mean all over. The Baltimore Ravens used him anywhere from a wide 9-Technique in a three point stance to blitzing an A-Gap from a two point stance. He's quick enough to rush off the edge and strong enough to play some 2 gap 5-Technique defensive end. Sports Illustrated's Monday Morning Quarterback broke down some film from McPhee's 2014 season.

A couple of the Pro Football Focus guys gave their take on McPhee in a recent podcast.

Here's one more from the PFF guys:

McPhee couldn't crack the starting line up in Baltimore because he was playing behind Pro Bowlers Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs. McPhee, who is only 26 years old, is ready for a breakout season after playing 540 regular season snaps and another 76 snaps in the postseason.

McPhee, along with GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox, will address the media today at 2pm Central.

What are you thoughts on Chicago G.M. Ryan Pace's initial free agent splash?

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