LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Chicago Bears signed safety Sherrod Martin and running back Daniel Thomas to one-year contracts and waived kicker Jeremiah Detmer, quarterback Pat Devlin and tight end Jacob Maxwell, the team announced on Thursday.
Martin and Thomas both participated in the recently completed three-day minicamp on a tryout basis.
A former second round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2009, Martin has appeared in 72 games with 38 starts over five seasons with the Panthers (2009-12) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2014). He did not make an NFL roster during the 2013 season. Martin started two games for the Jaguars last season, finishing the year with 14 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble.
Martin is expected to compete in the preseason against rookie Adrian Amos, Brock Vereen, Malcolm Bronson and Anthony Jefferson for one of the backup safety spots.
Thomas played four seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2011-14) where he carried the ball 409 times for 1,480 yards and 10 touchdowns. The tailback also made 55 receptions for 412 yards and three touchdowns. Thomas joins a crowded Bears’ backfield that already features Matt Forte, Jeremy Langford, Ka’Deem Carey, Jacquizz Rodgers and Senorise Perry.
With Devlin’s release; the Bears now have three reserve quarterbacks behind incumbent starter Jay Cutler: Jimmy Clausen, David Fales and undrafted rookie free agent Shane Carden.
