Ray McDonald will join defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in Chicago.
The Bears have agreed to terms with the defensive end on a one-year contract, the team announced.
From an on-field perspective, the re-union between McDonald and his former coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers makes sense. The Bears are in desperate need of help at defensive end as they switch to a 3-4 base scheme. The team also announced it added defensive end Jarvis Jenkins.
The 6-foot-3, 290-pound McDonald remains a solid run-stuffer with pass rushing ability from the position. The 30-year-old started 14 games in 2014 and ended as Pro Football Focus' No. 12 overall 3-4 defensive end.
Where the signing will be questioned is from an off-field perspective.
The 49ers cut McDonald in December citing a "patter of behavior" after police announced the defensive end was being investigated for possible sexual assault chargers. McDonald was never charged and is reportedly suing the woman who accused him.
Previously in 2014, McDonald was arrested on suspicion of committing domestic violence against his fiancée. In November, the Santa Clara District Attorney's office declined to press charges due to insufficient evidence.
Clearly, the Bears are comfortable bringing on a player who can contribute on the field, but one that is on thin ice and has a chance to miss time if he's embroiled in another incident.
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