Bears pick up Cole, a special-teams ace
The Bears signed Dylan Cole, a linebacker and special-teamer who started eight games and recorded 64 tackles last season for the Titans, to a one-year deal Thursday.
Cole, who visited Halas Hall on Wednesday, played a whopping 74% of the Titans’ special-teams snaps last season — a figure that’s in line with the way he found his niche in the NFL. He played 76% of the Titans’ kicking downs when he was healthy in 2021 and between 62% and 68% in each of four seasons with the Texans.
He’ll provide depth behind starters Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, who are slotted to play middle and weak-side linebacker, respectively. Jack Sanborn is penciled in to play on the strong side, a position the Bears eliminate when they move to nickel coverage.
The 28-year-old Missouri State alum helps make up for the departure of linebacker Matthew Adams, another special-teams standout, who joined the Browns this week.
Patrick Finley
Ex-Bear Shelley to Raiders
The Raiders signed free-agent cornerback Duke Shelley, a former Bear, and re-signed wide receiver Keelan Cole.
Shelley played for the Bears in 2019-21 and joined the Vikings last season. He has 11 starts in 41 career games with 84 tackles and 12 pass break-ups. Shelley started five games last season and had career highs of 31 tackles and eight pass break-ups with an interception.
Cole caught 10 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown last season. He previously played for the Jaguars in 2017-20 and the Jets in 2021.
Panthers stick with Pineiro
The Panthers re-signed free agent Eddy Pineiro and released Zane Gonzalez following two injury-riddled seasons. Pineiro, who kicked for the Bears in 2019, took over as the Panthers’ kicker last season after Gonzalez was injured during a preseason game against the Bills. He went on to convert 94.3% (33-for-35) of his field-goal attempts, including 19 in a row to finish the year.
OLB Hollins back with Pack
The Packers re-signed outside linebacker Justin Hollins who had 2½ sacks in six games for them last season after they claimed him off waivers from the Rams on Nov. 24. Hollins played 34 games for the Rams in 2020-22 and was part of their 2021 Super Bowl championship team.
49ers add DL Bryant
The 49ers signed free-agent defensive lineman Austin Bryant to a one-year contract. Bryant adds depth after the team lost several defensive linemen in free agency. Key contributors Samson Ebukam, Charles Omenihu, Jordan Willis and Hassan Ridgeway have signed with other teams.
Elliott cuts choices to three
Former Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott reportedly has narrowed his options to the Eagles, Jets and Bengals. Elliott would prefer to make his decision by the end of next week.