The former Cowboy formerly known as Jay Ratliff, who departed Dallas in an unceremonious manner midway through last season, is staying in Chicago.
Defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff, as he’s called these days, agreed to a two-year deal with the Bears on Wednesday, a week before he was scheduled to hit the free agent market once again. Ratliff was cut loose by Dallas in November of last year, after he failed a physical. At the time, Jerry Jones made no secret of the fact that he was upset about the way things played out, and a little miffed at Ratliff himself.
“I didn’t want to go to free agency,” Ratliff told the Chicago Tribune. “I didn’t want to get to know another ballclub, coaches, players, another scheme. I liked what I saw in Chicago and I believe we have a chance to win. That is where I want to take my shot.”
Ratliff, 32, ended up starting four games for the Bears last year, finishing with 14.5 tackles and three quarterback pressures. He said his decision to return was helped by the addition of Paul Pasqualoni to the staff. Pasqualoni was Ratliff’s position coach in 2010 with Dallas.
“More than anything, that guy is big on technique,” Ratliff said of Pasqualoni. “He coaches everyone the same. He believes in doing things the right way at all times. No excuses. That’s just the way it has to be done.”
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