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As first reported this morning by the Bear Report's Aaron Leming, the Chicago Bears are set to sign former Baltimore outside linebacker Pernell McPhee.
The Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson is reporting the deal is for 5 years and approximately $40 million, with $16 million guaranteed.
Our own Sam Householoder identified McPhee as a possible target for the Chicago Bears a couple weeks ago.
McPhee, listed on various sites as an OLB/DE and, in 2012 on pro-football-reference.com as a DT. The 26-year-old is 6'3" and 280 lbs, giving good size. He has 17 career sacks, 7.5 of which came last year. He's appeared in 60 games in his career.
Even though McPhee didn't start a single game in 2014, he was Baltimore's top player last season according to Pro Football Focus (+26.0). The Ravens found themselves up against the salary cap and weren't able to make an offer to the 26 year old McPhee.
Sam touched on his versatility and this has to be a big plus for a defensive coordinator that moves his players around. McPhee has literally played up and down the Ravens front so I would expect Vic Fangio to do the same with him.
Pernell McPhee wanted to play for Bears coach John Fox, was impressed with him and the Bears' plan for him as a pass rusher
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) March 9, 2015
#Bears & OLB Pernell McPhee: Productive pass rusher in his prime. Can play a variety of roles for Fangio. True versatility. Good move.
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) March 9, 2015
McPhee signing w/#Bears is awesome. Is a human Swiss Army Knife along DL...can do it all. If u must $pend on UFA's, spend on pass rushers!
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) March 9, 2015
The Bears are getting a young, emerging player that can get after the QB, they are getting a player that choose Chicago over other suitors, one who is well versed in the 3-4 defense, a player ready for a break out season and a player that can play both outside linebacker and defensive end.
What's not to like?
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I don't know if Pernell has a Twitter but I'm stoked to have him on the squad!!! %beardown</p>— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ky1eLong/status/574945597792223232">March 9, 2015</a></blockquote>
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What are your thoughts on this potential signing?