The Chicago Bears signed free agent defensive end Jarvis Jenkins to a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday.
Jarvis played for the Washington Redskins the last three seasons.
Jenkins, a second-round pick out of Clemson in 2011, never developed into the pass-rusher Washington hoped he would become as he recorded just two sacks during his time with the Redskins. But in Chicago's new 3-4 scheme, the defensive end is more of a run defender, while outside linebackers are charged with producing the bulk of the sacks for the front seven.
Jenkins, who turns 27 on April 24, started 33 games for the Redskins, including 14 this past season, recording a career-best 28 tackles with 18 solo stops.
He tore his right ACL as a rookie and missed all of 2011 after starring in training camp.
The Bears have taken a conservative approach to free agency, using the first wave to add outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, safety Antrel Rolle and receiver Eddie Royal.
While the current roster contains several potential outside linebackers in McPhee, Jared Allen, Willie Young and Lamarr Houston, the Bears needed to add options at the five-technique spot, which is where Jenkins (6-4, 315 pounds) is expected to line up.
Michael C. Wright and John Keim of ESPN.com contributed to this report.