The Bears have re-signed defensive back Kelvin Hayden to a one-year contract, the team announced today (Twitter link). ESPN.com’s Michael C. Wright had reported earlier this morning (via Twitter) that there was a “strong” chance of Hayden returning to Chicago.
Hayden, 30, tore a hamstring last August, which landed him on injured reserve, forcing him out of action for the 2013 season. The former Colt had been set to act as the Bears’ nickel corner, and will likely assume a similar role for Chicago in 2014, unless Charles Tillman leaves in free agency and the team doesn’t add a suitable replacement.
For his career, Hayden has been active for 101 games, including 49 starts, racking up 12 interceptions and 45 passes defended in parts of eight seasons. The Illinois alum was on a minimum-salary contract a year ago, so he’s unlikely to have signed for more than the minimum this year, perhaps with a modest signing bonus.