Former NY Giants’ linebacker signs with Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears signed veteran former NY Giants linebacker Alec Ogletree on Wednesday afternoon
Former NY Giants linebacker Alec Ogletree has signed with the Chicago Bears.
Ogletree came to the Giants in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a fourth and sixth round pick in March 2018. Ogletree had 173 tackles, two sacks, six interceptions, with two returned for touchdowns.
Ironically, Ogletree picked off former Bears quarterback 2 times including one for six week 13 of 2018. A Giants 30-27 overtime win.
Ogletree was drafted 30th overall in the 2013 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams after a stellar career with the University of Georgia. He was a second-team All-SEC pick in 2012. He signed a four-year $7.03 million contract with Rams in 2013. Ogletree played weakside linebacker for the first three years of his career, before Jeff Fisher moved him to middle linebacker to start the 2016 season.
Ogletree did not disappoint as made a career high 136 combined tackles, 98 being solo. That was good for seventh in the NFL. He also chipped in with 2 interceptions and a forced fumble. The Rams (now in Los Angeles) signed Ogletree to a four-year $42.75 million contract in 2017. He had another very good season again with 95 tackles, two sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble.
NY Giants GM Dave Gettleman looking to upgrade the Giants linebacking corps, made the trade for Ogletree. Ogletree immediately upgraded the middle of the Giants defense with adept tackling skills and extremely high football IQ. In 2 seasons with New York Ogletree started 26 games and was a fan favorite. He became a salary cap cut when the Giants released him in February 2020.
Ogletree signed with Giants neighbor the New York Jets practice squad in September 2020. He made the active roster and played in 2 games with Jets, starting one, before being released on October 10th. He totaled 3 tackles.
The terms of his deal with the Bears have not been released.