An early look at Bears' free-agent signings incluces Cal FB Will Taufoou

tag: nfl free agent signings

We have put together a list after a series of phone calls across the league, of the free agents the Bears have agreed to terms with on contracts. A three-day rookie minicap starting Friday and they like to have it run as close to a normal camp setting as possible, so that means lots of players on the field. With only nine draft picks, expect for dozens more to show up at Halas Hall. Some come on a tryout basis, some are priority free agents and some get nothing to sign.

Here are the eight names we have tracked down this far:

Eric Peterman, WR, Northwestern. Peterman had a terrific pro day back in March and ran himself into an opportunity with a 40-yard dash time under 4.5 seconds. He'll look to punch his ticket by proving he can make a difference on special teams.

Mike Rivera, LB, Kansas. Rivera didn't perform as well during his senior year at Kansas as he did in previous seasons but he had a good showing at his pro day when Bears scout Teddy Monago was in attendance. At 6-2, 245 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds and his 38 1/2 inch vertical jump was eye opening. Rivera had interest from other teams but chose the Bears for the opportunity. Perhaps he could get in the mix on the strong side if he really excels.

Dahna Deleston, SS, UConn. Deleston isn't going to solve any issues at free safety but agent Ed Wasielewski said he has the ability to make an impact on special teams quickly.

Will Taufoou, FB, Cal. The Bears landed one of the better fullbacks that was in this draft. Taufoou had interest from more than half of the teams in the league, including some with money offers, but chose the Bears because he liked the opportunity on the roster. Check out this video of him catching a pass out of the backfield.

Dennis Conley, G, Hampton. The Bears did not select an offensive lineman in the draft unless San Diego State's Lance Louis is moved inside. The Bears called him a tight end but how many 303-pound tight ends do you know?

Johan Asiata, G, UNLV. Played right tackle and left guard for the Rebels. How many NFL players have been born in New Zealand?

Kevin Malast, LB, Rutgers. Malast is a little undersized at 6-foot, 236 pounds, but he ran well at his pro day. Here is a little reading on him.

Tyrell Fenroy, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette. He is a former all-Sun Belt Conference performer.

Eastern Illinois OLB/DE Pierre Walters will sign with Kansas CIty as a free agent. The Bears had brought him in on a pre-draft visit. The Bears reportedly lost out on signing South Dakota State wide receiver JaRon Harris to Green Bay. He's related to Jerry Rice. 

On pre-draft visits, Rivera and Conley were both brought in.