The Chicago Bears made a roster move today, in order to add some experience to their group of linebackers:
Roster Update: We have signed LB Kelvin Sheppard and waived LB Hendrick Ekpe. pic.twitter.com/CWqE96qD0Z
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 18, 2017
Undrafted free agent linebacker Hendrick Ekpe was waived on Friday in order for the Bears to sign linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, who has played for four teams in six seasons.
Sheppard was drafted in the third round (68th overall) in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills before moving on to the Indianapolis Colts (2013), Miami Dolphins (2014-15), and New York Giants (2016). Miami reportedly worked out Sheppard earlier in the week before the 29-year-old linebacker finalized a deal with Chicago.
In signing Sheppard, the Bears receive an upgrade at the inside linebacker spot. Sheppard has played 93 games and made 57 starts in his career, with his most productive showing coming in 2015 when he started 14 games and made 72 tackles for the Dolphins. He also started 11 games with the Giants last season.
The Bears could use a fresh body at inside linebacker, especially with Danny Trevathan’s status still up in the air.