NFL: Chicago Bears sign former Arizona cardinals safety Adrian Wilson

The Chicago Bears have given veteran safety Adrian Wilson another shot at prolonging his NFL career after they brought him to Soldier Field on a one-year deal.

The 34-year-old was an impressive figure for 12 years during his time with the Arizona Cardinals, providing a tough-tackling presence and disruptive figure using his speed to get after the quarterback.

Wilson signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots last year, but an Achilles tendon injury saw him miss the entire season and Bill Belichick’s side cut him in April.

The five-time pro Bowl selection has a fearsome combination of speed and tackling ability, which made him a standout in Arizona in the lean year before they made the Super Bowl in 2009.

Safety is a big area of concern for the Bears, and the coaching staff obviously feel Wilson’s experience can help out in that department if he can show anything like the form of old.

Wilson will have the chance to prove his fitness during training camp, when the bears will hope he can provide some of the hard-hitting tackles he made as an enforcer for the Cards.

During his 12 seasons with Arizona, Wilson made 885 tackles and also grabbed 27 interceptions using his great speed and breaking up 99 passes.

Wilson showed an uncanny knack of getting to the quarterback, completing 25.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and eight fumbles recoveries. He also scored four touchdowns.

The bears have also strengthened at tight end by bringing in Jeron Mastrud on a one-year contract. The former Raider and Dolphin has 18 starts in the last four season, playing in every game and catching seven balls for 96 yards in Oakland last year.