According to a source, Idonije received a deal worth $7 million in new money. The team guaranteed $3 million of the contract. Idonije is now signed through 2011.
Idonije appeared in all 16 games (three starts) for the Bears in 2008, posting career highs with 28 tackles (18 solo) and 3.5 sacks. The 6-for-6, 297-pound player out of Manitoba added six pass breakups, two tackles for losses and four special teams stops last season.
Idonije entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns in 2003 and finished that season on the Bears' practice squad. He has appeared in 71 games (eight starts) in the past five seasons for the Bears, registering 99 tackles, 5.5 sacks, six TFLs and 10 PBUs.
A valuable special teams contributor, Idonije has tallied 29 special teams tackles and four blocked kicks during his career.
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Bears head coach Lovie Smith looks ahead to 2009 season and what is in store for Chicago.
The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with six of their nine draft picks Friday, marking the most draft picks who have signed or agreed to terms with any team to date.
Players who agreed to terms included CB D.J. Moore (fourth round, 119th overall); WR Johnny Knox (fifth round, 140th overall); LB Marcus Freeman (fifth round, 154th overall); S Al Afalava (sixth round, 190th overall); TE Lance Louis (seventh round, 246th overall); and WR Derek Kinder (seventh round, 251st overall).
The Bears' 2009 draftees yet to sign or agree to terms include DT Jarron Gilbert (third round, 68th overall); WR Juaquin Iglesias (third round, 99th overall); and DE Henry Melton (fourth round, 105th overall).
Chicago Bears add Michael Gaines to stockpile of tight ends
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