[bears9]

With at least two other teams eager to sign him, free-agent running back Kevin Jones waited until the last minute to make a decision, hoping the Bears would join the fray.

His patience was rewarded Tuesday, when he signed a one-year contract with the Bears that makes him their most established option at a position rookie Matt Forte is expected to anchor.

The Bears said they were happy with their roster after releasing former first-round pick Cedric Benson following his second alcohol-related arrest of the spring. But they reversed direction a week before training camp and added a former 1,000-yard rusher in Jones.

Jones also drew interest from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers but viewed the Bears as the best fit. His contract is for the minimum-salary benefit, which means his $605,000 salary will count only $445,000 against the cap.

Jones thinks he'll be ready for camp :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bears