Bears sign Young to 2-year extension through 2018

The Chicago Bears have signed linebacker Willie Young to a two-year extension that will keep him under contract through the 2018 season, the team announced Saturday.

Official terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Young, who signed a three-year deal to join the Bears in 2014, had reported for training camp this week on an expiring deal.

While the implementation of a 3-4 defensive scheme last offseason had seemingly put his future with the team in doubt, Young was able to make a successful transition from defensive end to rush-linebacker.

The 30-year-old followed up his 10-sack 2014 campaign with another 6.5 quarterback takedowns in 2015, influencing the Bears to open talks on a new deal during the spring.

Young heads into the 2016 campaign slated for a key role among a suddenly strong rotation of pass-rushers in a new-look front seven.