NEWSLETTER
It’s a family affair:
Sam Acho’s new deal with the Chicago Bears is 2 years up to 7.5 million with 3 million guaranteed. *150K due to little brother upon signing* (i hope).
Checkmate @AdamSchefter lol
— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) March 14, 2018
Emmanuel Acho, a former NFL linebacker and current ESPN college football analyst, stepped outside the box to deliver some important news about what’s next in his brother Sam’s professional career. Hence, we received news that Sam is returning to the Chicago Bears on a two-year deal worth up to $7.5 million ($3 million guaranteed) from his brother Emmanuel – sharing scoops is certainly one way of looking out for family.
Others have since confirmed:
The Bears and Sam Acho have agreed to a two-year deal, his agency confirms.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) March 14, 2018
Once the deal becomes officially official, Acho will become the second Bears defensive player to return to Vic Fangio’s top-10 defense in as many days. If you recall, Prince Amukamara is also expected to be back on a three-year deal.
Acho played in all 16 Bears games in 2017 and made 12 starts at outside linebacker, a position ravaged by injuries in 2017 (and one that could see a continued offseason makeover). He wasn’t much of a pass rusher last year, but performed well stopping the run and brings depth to a position group that desperately needed it.
It will be interesting to see Acho’s playing time split moving forward. Last year, he played on 53 percent of the team’s special teams plays, but could get an increase in playing time as a defender. Remember, two early moves that cleared cap space and opened up roster spots were the Bears’ decisions to part ways with Pernell McPhee and Willie Young, so there could be some opportunity here.
The Bears originally signed Acho in 2015 as a free agent from the Arizona Cardinals, and he’s since rewarded the team as a steady contributor on defense and special teams while missing just one game since his arrival. Acho has also chipped in with 25 starts in three years, showing how he can be useful in a bigger role in a pinch.
