The Chicago Bears signed wide receiver Ify Umodu to a three-year contract and waived linebacker Jamil Merrell, the club announced Monday.

Umodu attended the team's rookie minicamp in May on a tryout basis.

While at Northern Arizona (2010-14), Umodu caught 136 passes for 1,883 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Umodu topped Northern Arizona last year in receptions (47) and receiving yards (692), and tied for the team lead in touchdown grabs (five).

Umodu missed the entire 2013 campaign with an injury.

Merrell spent the final four of the 2014 regular season on the Bears' practice squad.