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Israel Idonije | Defensive Lineman

Team: Unsigned Free Agent
Age / DOB:  (32) / 11/17/1980
Ht / Wt:  6'6' / 275
College: Manitoba
Contract: view contract details
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Recent News

According to the Chicago Tribune, there are "no signs" the Bears plan to re-sign free agent DL Israel Idonije.
The Bears released DT Andre Fluellen on Monday, but it apparently wasn't with re-signing Idonije in mind. To date, the 32-year-old D-lineman has visited only the Titans in free agency. May 20 - 1:01 PM

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Date:

The Titans hosted DL Israel Idonije for a free-agent visit Monday.

Idonije would add to Tennessee's defensive line rotation. He can play left end on running downs and rush inside in the nickel. "Izzy" is 32 years old.
Apr 29 - 3:47 PM

The Bears have a "standing offer" out to free agent DL Israel Idonije, but a deal isn't "imminent."

The "standing offer" could be rescinded depending on what the Bears do in the draft, so Idonije has little more than a week to think things over. Idonije has made zero visits since the start of free agency.
Apr 16 - 7:44 PM

The Chicago Sun-Times reports the Bears could still re-sign free agent DL Israel Idonije despite Wednesday's signings of DE Kyle Moore and DT Andre Fluellen.

Moore would seem to be Idonije's replacement, but perhaps he'll be back for a 10th season in Chicago if the price is exceedingly cheap. Idonije has reportedly drawn interest from the Titans and 49ers, but hasn't made any visits since the start of free agency.
Apr 9 - 7:05 PM

NFL.com reports the Bears remain interested in re-signing free agent DL Israel Idonije, but must "fight off the 49ers to make it happen."

Predictably, the Bears' signing of DE Turk McBride hasn't stemmed their interest in Idonije, who tallied 7.5 sacks last season. Idonije is on the wrong side of 30, but would be a nice piece of depth for the 49ers behind Justin and Aldon Smith.
Mar 22 - 1:06 PM

The Nashville Tennessean reports the Titans have "shown some interest" in free agent DL Israel Idonije.

Idonije has stated that his priority is to remain with the Bears, but Chicago may be looking to move on from the 32-year-old. Idonije has missed just one game in the last six seasons, and he has 20.5 sacks over the last three years.
Mar 21 - 2:19 PM

Free agent DL Israel Idonije says his "priority" is to re-sign with the Bears.

"My priority is to stay here and enjoy these next few years in Chicago with my friends, my family and with my organization," said Idonije. GM Phil Emery has already expressed interest in bringing the 32-year-old versatile lineman back, so it sounds like something can be worked out.
Mar 7 - 9:20 PM

Bears GM Phil Emery expressed interest at the Combine in re-signing free agent DL Israel Idonije.

"He's done a number of good things and had a number of good games both outside and inside," Emery said. "He's a guy we will sit down with and talk to about coming back. He's got versatility and that's a positive thing for Izzy."
Feb 22 - 1:01 PM

Bears LE Israel Idonije downplayed his left leg injury following Sunday's Week 9 win over the Titans.

Idonije's injury appeared serious at first as he was down on the field screaming in pain. But he now says he expects to play in the Week 10 showdown with the Texans. "I got rolled up, but I'm OK," Idonije said. "I'm sore now, but it'll be all right. I'm fortunate that I can play through pain." DT Henry Melton (back) also left Sunday's win, but expects to play against the Texans as well.
Mon, Nov 5, 2012 09:39:00 AM

Bears LE Israel Idonije will be "playing light" in 2012.

"(I doubt) I’ll be moving inside much," Idonije said. "I would love to get inside, on passing downs or situational ... but I’m focused on getting to the quarterback from the outside." Idonije will have to hold off first-round pick Shea McClellin in camp after tallying a disappointing five sacks last season.
Tue, Jun 19, 2012 11:10:00 AM

Bears re-signed DE Israel Idonije to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

Idonije has never had a quick first step, but he gets by as an underrated all-around end with a high motor. At 31, though, his career is now on the down slope. The Bears will have to add a pass rusher (Kamerion Wimbley?), so Idonije can play a situational role inside and out.
Thu, Mar 15, 2012 07:18:00 PM

Impending free agent LE Israel Idonije indicated Monday that he's accepted a hometown discount to stay with the Bears.

"I have goals that I have set for myself," he said. "Without question, Chicago is where I can achieve my goals on the field." Idonije, 31, finished the 2011 season with five sacks and a career-high 52 tackles, starting all 16 games. The Bears may bring him back for another season or two, but they're going to have to start thinking about a long-term replacement shortly.
Tue, Jan 3, 2012 12:19:00 AM

Bears DE Israel Idonije left Sunday's game in the second quarter with an apparent left hand injury.

Idonije was sent to the locker room, presumably for X-rays on his hand. He's been a key cog in a Bears defensive front that has dominated the line of scrimmage through two quarters. Idonije returned to the game for the start of the second half.
Sun, Jan 16, 2011 02:33:00 PM

Bears LE Israel Idonije is expected to get the starting nod over Charles Grant Sunday in Week 6.

Grant was a healthy scratch in Sunday's Week 5 game against Carolina, a game in which Idonije racked up a team-high three sacks. The Bears have the luxury of depth opposite RE Julius Peppers, and will likely ride the hot hand (Idonije) into their Week 6 matchup.
Fri, Oct 15, 2010 07:33:00 PM

Bears LE Israel Idonije is expected to get the starting nod over Mark Anderson Sunday against the Lions.

Idonije started the last two preseason games over Anderson, and saw a majority of the reps in practice on Friday. The two should see a split in time, with Idonije playing on running downs.
Sat, Sep 11, 2010 10:13:00 AM

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