A league source confirms the Bears are hoping to re-sign free agent LB Nick Roach. CSN Chicago reported Saturday that the sides were meeting at the Combine. Roach has primarily been a SAM 'backer during his six-year career, but held his own in the middle when Brian Urlacher was hurt last season. The Bears could view Roach as a cheap in-house replacement if Urlacher is allowed to move on in free agency.

The Bears met with free agent LB Nick Roach on Saturday. Signs are pointing to Chicago bringing Roach back, though it's not clear where the Bears plan to use him. Roach knows the system and has played both middle and strong-side linebacker in the past. With Brian Urlacher's future with the team up in the air, Roach is a viable replacement for Urlacher in the middle.

Nick Roach will likely start at middle linebacker Sunday if Brian Urlacher (personal) does not.

Coach Lovie Smith confirmed Monday that Nick Roach will be the Bears' starting strong-side linebacker this season. He'll also be the backup middle linebacker, moving there if Brian Urlacher goes down. "He can do an awful lot for us," said Smith of Roach. "We're pumped up that he decided to come back." It doesn't sound like Pisa Tinoisamoa will return.

Bears signed LB Nick Roach to a two-year contract. Roach's deal is expected to pay him around $4 million. He'll slide right into the starting lineup on the strong side and continue to fill a special teams role.

Free agent OLB Nick Roach is still expected to re-sign with the Bears, a source tells ESPN Chicago. We haven't heard Roach connected to any other team since he dined with Bears' brass on Tuesday. They aren't going to have a hard time locking up their projected starting strong-side linebacker and special teamer.

Bears brass dined with free agent OLB Nick Roach on Tuesday morning and are attempting to re-sign him. Roach can't officially sign until Friday at 6PM ET, but he can agree in principle long before then. Per the Chicago Tribune, Roach broke bread with head coach Lovie Smith, defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, and linebackers coach Bob Babich on Tuesday. "They want him back," agent Josh Wright said. "That's as far as the message has gone right now. We will see how it plays out."

The odds of free agent SLB Nick Roach re-signing with the Bears is "good," according to ESPN Chicago. As a four-year veteran, Roach is expected to be unrestricted. The Bears are thin and aging at linebacker, so bringing back Roach seems like a no-brainer. He's also a strong special teamer.