National Football League

Bears, Bushrod agree to 5-year deal

Published Mar. 13, 2013 4:05 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Chicago Bears have agreed to a five-year contract with New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl left tackle Jermon Bushrod, filling a major hole on the offensive line.

The Bears announced the signing Tuesday.

A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press that the deal is potentially worth about $36 million, with $17.7 million guaranteed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the terms had not been released.

Bushrod was drafted in the fourth round by New Orleans in 2007. He started on the Saints' 2009 championship team and made the Pro Bowl the past two seasons.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle fills a major hole on a line that has ranked among the league's worst in recent seasons. He reunites with Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, his position coach in New Orleans.