Free Agent Breakdown: DE Jarvis Jenkins By Dan Durkin March 24, 2015 10:57 AM
What happened: The Bears have signed defensive end Jarvis Jenkins to a one-year, veteran-minimum deal, per a report from the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs.
How it affects the Bears’ salary cap: Prior to the move, the Bears had $14.9 million in free cap space. Jenkins has three credited seasons, which would make his salary for the 2015 season likely $660,000, which will end up being a $585,000 hit to the cap.
Player bio bits: The 26-year old Jenkins was a second-round pick of Washington out of Clemson (41st overall) in the 2011 draft. He missed his rookie season after tearing his ACL in the preseason. He’s since appeared in 44 games, making 19 starts, playing both defensive end and nose tackle. Over his career, Jenkins has 75 tackles and two quarterback sacks.
How Jenkins fits the Bears’ system: Prior to signing Jenkins, the Bears had very few players who fit the profile of a four/five-technique defensive end in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme. While Jenkins hasn’t lived up to his draft status, he fits the athletic profile Fangio seeks from his ends — long-armed and stout enough to hold the point against the run. If he makes the team, Jenkins would be a base (two-down) player.