The Chicago Bears signed special teamer Alex Bannister to a one-year deal on Wednesday. Bannister was meant to be a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, but he never came through at the position for them, catching nine passes for 121 yards in five seasons. He was fairly good on special teams though, and even made the Pro Bowl in 2003 for recording 18 special teams tackles that season.

Over the past two seasons, Bannister has only been able to play in nine games due to an injured collarbone.

Besides signing Bannister, the team also released cornerback Chris Rhompson and wide receivers Mark Philmore and C.J. Fayton.