Jared Allen has a new home, and the defensive end will continue to chase many of the same quarterbacks he's pursued for the past six years.

The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with Allen on a four-year deal, the team announced Wednesday. Allen told ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder in a text that "the Bears came in last minute and everything worked out."

Allen also released a statement Wednesday, thanking the Minnesota Vikings and addressing his future in Chicago.

"I'd like to take a moment to thank my former teammates, coaches and the staff at the Minnesota Vikings for all of their inspiring work and dedication," Allen said. "Perhaps more importantly I would like to thank the fans and the Minnesota community. I can only hope that I have left with you all, with even a fraction of the positive support and impact you have had on my life, my foundation and my family.

"I am very excited about this next chapter in my career with the Chicago Bears and can't wait to see what the future holds for us. God bless."

Allen's deal could be worth up to $32 million, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. It includes $15.5 million in guaranteed money and could void after three years and $24 million.

"We're really excited about adding Jared to our football team," Bears coach Marc Trestman told the team's website. "We know what his abilities bring to the table. We believe he's going to come in hungry and excited to be part of our football team, and we believe he'll fit right in."

The Bears recently cleared $4 million in cap space by restructuring quarterback Jay Cutler's contract, according to multiple reports. The Bears converted $5 million of his base salary into a signing bonus and prorated that over five years, the reports said.