The Bears bolstered their defensive line Thursday by acquiring tackle Brian Price from the Buccaneers in exchange for an undisclosed 2013 draft pick.
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| Brian Price |
Price has struggled in recent months dealing with the death of his 33-year-old sister, Bridget James, who was the victim of a hit-and-run automobile accident in May in Los Angeles. Price also reportedly got in an altercation this offseason with Buccaneers rookie first-round pick Mark Barron during a team meeting.
"We're very excited about Brian," said general manager Phil Emery. "This is a very talented player. When he came out in the draft, he was picked very high in the second round. He fits our system; he fits the 4-3. He's a very explosive player off the ball, very reactive.
"He has struggled some here in the last year. He's had a tough go of it with family issues; with his sister passing away he has had a hard time in the transition. It's a player that needs a new home. We're excited to bring him to Chicago."
Price apparently is looking forward to joining his new team.
"We have contacted him," Emery said. "He is very excited to come play for the Bears, play for coach [Lovie] Smith and to get coached by Rod [Marinelli]. We see a good fit for our system.
"We expect him to come in here and push our group. What he does with the opportunity he is provided is up to him. Just like all of our players, he is going to have to earn it on the field. But he is excited to have the opportunity."
Price is the fourth defensive tackle the Bears have acquired in the last three months. In May, they signed Nate Collins, John McCargo and DeMario Pressley presumably to compete for the third spot on the depth chart behind Henry Melton, Stephen Paea and Matt Toeaina.
"You can't have too many good defensive linemen," said coach Lovie Smith. "We'll let Rod and [line coach] Mike Phair get their hands on [Price] and see if he can help our ballclub.
"I know a little bit about him; some of the struggles he's gone through personally off of the field. On the football field I do know a little bit about his history and the type of football player he is. We wouldn't make this trade unless we thought that we could bring in another guy that could possibly help us win."
