The Chicago Bears announced Wednesday that they have signed linebacker Pernell McPhee.

The Bears and McPhee, formerly of Baltimore, previously had agreed to a five-year, $40 million deal, including $16 million guaranteed.

McPhee was one of the top outside linebackers available and the Bears, under the direction of first-year coordinator Vic Fangio, plan to transition to a 3-4 scheme as coach John Fox makes over a porous defense.

Fox said shoring up the front seven was a priority that helps everything else fall into place.

McPhee, 26, was used as a versatile chess piece in Baltimore. The Ravens used him at outside linebacker and defensive end and even inside at tackle on occasion.