AP

The Chicago Bears, by many accounts, were supposed to court free agent defensive end Mario Williams once the market opened on Tuesday. It never happened.

The Bears are, however, pursing free agent defensive end Jeremy Mincey.

Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune reports the Bears are “trying to sign” Mincey, who is coming off a breakout year in Jacksonville. Mincey racked up career highs in tackles (57), sacks (eight), and forced fumbles (four) while starting all 16 games for the Jags.

Mincey is 28 years old. In Chicago, he would give the Bears a strong pass-rushing tandem playing opposite Julius Peppers. The Bears are trying to upgrade on left defensive end Israel Idonije, whose contract is up.