LAKE FOREST (AP) -- The Chicago Bears signed running back Kevin Jones to a one-year deal worth $605,000 on Tuesday.
During four years with Detroit, Jones rushed for 3,067 yards and 24 touchdowns on 761 carries. Jones, who played for Virginia Tech, was drafted in the first round by Detroit in 2004, and had his best year as a rookie, rushing for 1,133 yards and five touchdowns.
Last season, Jones rushed for 581 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns on 153 carries. He also had 32 receptions for 197 yards, but tore ligaments in his right knee on Dec. 23 against Kansas City.
Detroit released him in the offseason.
"I'm ecstatic," Jones said. "I know the situation. I know the Bears' rich history of winning. Looking at the Bears, I know they're a tough, running team. I can't wait to be a part of it."
The Bears cut starter Cedric Benson in the offseason after Benson had several run-ins with police. That left second-round draft pick Matt Forte of Tulane as the likely starter.
Irregardless, the Bears needed depth at the position.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago's Reputation On The Run The Chicago Marathon Race director, Carey Pinkowski, says this is a good example of how Chicago could handle the Olympics.The 26.2-mile course starts in Grant Park near Buckingham Fountain, then heads to the North, West and South Sides before returning to Grant Park. A CBS Radio report.
Transit Hikes At Issue The Chicago Transit Authority may not be the only transportation agency planning to hike its fares. WBBM's Craig Dellimore reports. RTA Chairman Jim Reilly and CTA President Ron Huberman are the guests on WBBM NewRadio's At Issue program, heard tonight at 9:30.
Weis Attends Roll Call In a move to shore up morale among rank and file police officers, Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis attended a roll call for officers last night across the street from where a teenage girl was fatally shot a week ago on a CTA bus.
G7 Ministers Meet with Bush President Bush Saturday morning emerged from a meeting at the White House with G7 finance ministers. It's the latest attempt to ease market fears and encourage banks to lend money. A CBS Radio report.
WBBM-AM 780 has been the consistent all news radio voice in Chicagoland for over 35 years and is now streaming online for free. Listen online to Chicago news as it happens around the clock, along with Chicago traffic, Chicago weather, Chicago sports and Chicago business. Subscribe to WBBM's free podcasts for additional Chicago business and Chicago community reports and listen to Chicago news on demand. WBBM news radio is also the home for Chicago Bears, Chicago Auto Show and Chicago Air & Water Show. www.wbbm780.com