Former ND star Zbikowski agrees to one-year deal, adds depth at safety
Tom Zbikowski has decided to come home.
With several options, the Buffalo Grove and Notre Dame star agreed to terms on a one-year contract for $715,000, the veteran minimum for a player with his experience, a league source said.
The Bears confirmed a SunTimes report Saturday.
Born in Park Ridge and raised in Arlington Heights, Zbikowski was a two-time AllAmerican at Notre Dame (2005-2006), distinguishing himself as a safety and returner.
A third-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens, he started 14 games in four seasons. Last season, he started 11 games for the Indianapolis Colts, finishing with 38 tackles, one sack, five passes defended and one interception. He also returned six kickoffs for 123 yards.
He was released earlier this month after the Colts signed former Pro Bowl safety LaRon Landry to a multiyear deal.
Zbikowski also has generated headlines as a professional boxer. He’s 4-0, with his last fight in April 2011.
At Buffalo Grove, he was a dualthreat quarterback, setting several school records.
Chris Conte and Major Wright are the Bears’ starting safeties, but Zbikowski, 27, provides experience and the versatility to help on special teams. Other safeties on the roster are Anthony Walters, Cyhl Quarles, Tom Nelson and Brandon Hardin.
Hardin was a third-round pick last year, but he spent the entire season on injured reserve.