Chicago Bears Sign Brandon Manumaleuna

In a signing announced just moments ago, the Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with free agent TE Brandon Manumaleuna.

Manumaleuna is not only known for having one of the most difficult names in the NFL to type and pronounce (perhaps only second to T.J. Houshmandzadeh in Seattle), but also for being one of the premier blocking tight ends in the league.

The 6'2", 295-lb. 10-year veteran has prior experience in Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz's system. Manumaleuna played under Martz with the St. Louis Rams.

Financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed; however, the deal is reportedly for five years.

Signing Manumaleuna may seal the deal on rumors circulating that the Bears might ship TE Greg Olsen out of town.

Olsen is essentially worthless as a receiving tight end in Martz's offensive scheme, which primarily calls for tight ends to remain in as blockers, while running backs are called upon to catch the ball more often (the reason for bringing Chester Taylor in for an interview today as well).  

The Bears will almost certainly have to cut (or otherwise lose) another TE after signing Manumaleuna. They also have Desmond Clark on the roster, who is slated to make about $1 million in the upcoming season.

The Bears continue to attack this offseason aggressively, going after the free agents they had targeted and getting them locked down fairly quickly.

Manumaleuna and Taylor would be perfect fits in Martz's system. So adding Taylor makes sense and will likely make this offense much more potent in Jay Cutler's second year (and Lovie Smith's most important in terms of job security) in Chicago.