Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - The Oakland Raiders signed veteran linebacker Nick Roach on Friday.
Roach was the starter at strong-side linebacker for the Chicago Bears over the majority of the past five seasons, and also filled in for the injured Brian Urlacher in the middle for part of 2012.
The 6-foot-1, 234-pound Roach played in all 16 games with 14 starts last season, registering 66 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks, one forced fumble and matching a career-high with four passes defended.
The Northwestern product originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2007 and has played in 80 games with 59 starts over his six years in the Windy City. Roach arrives in the Bay Area with 3 1/2 career sacks, 14 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
