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Wednesday, May 29
Updated: May 30, 9:16 AM ET
 
Bears see McKenzie as possible fill-in starter

By John Clayton
ESPN.com

Concerned because their $4 million-a-year defensive end Bryan Robinson is coming off two broken wrists from an accident at home, the Bears reached agreement Wednesday night with former Browns defensive end Keith McKenzie, just in case.

Robinson
Robinson

McKenzie agreed to a two-year, $2.85 million contract that includes a $100,000 signing bonus and another $500,000 payment before the start of the regular season.

Robinson recently underwent surgery to repair one of the broken wrists. The fact that the Bears brought in McKenzie indicates it might take longer than the reported 4-6 week timeframe for Robinson to recover.

Robinson says the surgery on his left wrist was successful and that he will be ready for the regular season and possibly training camp. The Bears felt it was important enough to sign McKenzie, just in case Robinson's recovery is a little slower than expected.

During the offseason, the Bears had been seeking a pass-rushing defensive end. They drafted Alex Brown in the fourth round, but his best prospect was being a backup and possible third-down rusher. McKenzie was signed to possibly be a starter if Robinson isn't ready by the start of the regular season.

McKenzie, 28, had eight-sack seasons from 1998 through the 2000 in Green Bay and Cleveland. The irony of his agreement with the Bears is that he broke his leg in a Browns game against the Bears midway through last season.

In that game, McKenzie and teammate Courtney Brown were putting on a pass-rush that forced three turnovers in the Bears' first three possessions.

John Clayton is a senior writer for ESPN.com.






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