The Bears have released DE Mark Anderson and signed veteran DE Charles Grant to replace him.

Anderson, a fifth-year veteran, started the first game of the season at left end, but Israel Idonije started the next three games at the position.

Since his 12-sack rookie season in 2006, Anderson has never come close to matching his production from that year. He has just 9½ sacks in the 50 games since.

Grant, who was cut by the Dolphins on Sept. 5, spent the previous eight seasons with the Saints but was released by the team after tearing his triceps in back-to-back seasons. He spent time with the UFL's Omaha Nighthawks this season.

The way we see it

This move wasn't expected, but some are surprised that the Bears stuck with the mostly ineffective Anderson for so long.

Grant has been a decent player when healthy. He's stouter vs. the run than Anderson is, but the question about who is going to consistently pressure quarterbacks opposite DE Julius Peppers remains.