Former Vikings halfback Lorenzo Booker signs 1-year deal with Bears

Lorenzo Booker is back in the NFC North Division.

The Chicago Bears announced on Tuesday they've released rookie halfback Alvester Alexander and signed Booker, whom the Minnesota Vikings chose not to tender as a restricted free agent.

Booker, 28, signed with the Vikings on Dec. 7, 2010, after paying his own buyout from the United Football League. He played 43 snaps on offense in 2010 and only 96 last season, limiting his own role with repeated mistakes.

In 19 games with the Vikings, Booker had 13 carries for 52 yards, caught 13 passes for 114 yards, averaged 23.8 yards on 37 kick returns and fumbled four times, losing three.

A third-round pick by Miami in 2007, Booker also spent time with Philadelphia in 2008. Jordan Todman is the front-runner to replace him as the Vikings' No. 3 halfback.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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