The Bears have added some potential help for their struggling special teams.
The club announced Tuesday it had signed ex-Titans wide receiver/returner Marc Mariani. To make room for Mariani, the Bears waived safety Ahmad Dixon.
The 27-year-old Mariani made the Pro Bowl as a return specialist in 2010, his rookie season with Tennessee. However, he missed the 2012 season with a broken leg and the 2013 campaign with a shoulder injury. The Titans released him in August.
Mariani (6-1, 187) could challenge or displace Chris Williams as the Bears’ punt and kickoff returner. He returned 92 kickoffs for 2,278 yards and one TD and 35 punts for 819 yards and two TDs in his first two NFL seasons before the injuries. Mariani could also be expected to contribute on the Bears’ coverage teams.
Once a club strength, the Bears’ special teams have left much to be desired this season, with punt coverage, protection and execution all issues at various points. The Bears’ return game has generally lacked punch, too, with Williams’ 101-yard kickoff return score in a blowout at Green Bay an exception.
