The former Nebraska safety signed a free-agent contract with the club Sunday.
Posted: Sunday, May 6, 2007 7:00 pm
Andrew Shanle apparently impressed Chicago Bears coaches in his tryout at the NFL team’s mini-camp this past weekend.
The former Nebraska safety signed a free-agent contract with the club Sunday. He now prepares for the Bears’ mandatory mini-camp May 18-20, which will include veterans and rookies.
“They’re pretty heavy at safety,” Shanle said. “I want to show up on special teams and see if I can get in the safety rotation.”
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Shanle, a native of St. Edward, was among six undrafted rookie free agents signed by the Bears over the weekend.
The team’s safety depth chart includes former Husker standout Mike Brown, seven-year NFL veteran Adam Archuleta, former NU recruit Danieal Manning and Brandon McGowan.
McGowan in 2005 was the only undrafted rookie to make the team’s active roster.
In his first season as starter last year, Shanle led Nebraska with four interceptions while finishing with 57 tackles. Often featured in the blitz game, he was one of six Huskers with at least four quarterback hurries.
His brother, Scott Shanle, is a starting weakside linebacker for the New Orleans Saints.
Andrew Shanle became the fifth 2006 Husker senior to sign a free-agent deal, joining quarterback Zac Taylor (Tampa Bay), tight end Matt Herian (Tampa Bay) and defensive tackles Ola Dagunduro (Dallas) and Barry Cryer (San Diego).
— Steven M. Sipple