Mason Foster to Bears: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

The Chicago Bears upgraded their defense with a veteran presence on Tuesday by signing free-agent inside linebacker Mason Foster. 

ESPN.com's Michael C. Wright reported the news when the deal became official through Foster's agent. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune added that it's a one-year contract. The Bears formally announced the signing on Wednesday.

Foster was a third-round pick in 2011 and immediately started for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In addition to being a reliable tackler, the 26-year-old veteran has shown a knack for disrupting passing lanes, returning two of his three interceptions in 2013 for touchdowns.

Tampa Bay finished 25th in points allowed and total yards conceded on defense last season, and Foster was out of the lineup for six games as he transitioned to a new system under ex-Bears head coach Lovie Smith.

Ira Kaufman of The Tampa Tribune feels Foster is a better fit in Chicago:

Now former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has taken over the same post in the Windy City, which has to have Foster excited.

Fangio helped dynamic interior linebackers such as Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Chris Borland thrive in recent years.

There's a strong chance Foster will be the third defensive starter Chicago has added this offseason to go with safety Antrel Rolle and edge-rusher Pernell McPhee. The Bears had issues of their own on defense in 2014, but Foster's presence ought to help even more in their bid for marked improvement.