The Bears announced Monday that Mike Pennel, nose tackle for the Bears, has been signed.

In a similar move, they released Jeremiah Attaochu, a linebacker. His departure saves $1.65 million in cap space.

Pennel was signed by the Bears last June. However, he was placed on injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury sustained in training camp. After reaching an injury settlement, Pennel was made a free agent. Pennel was signed by the Falcons in October. He played 10 games.

Pennel, 31 years old, signed with the Packers in 2012 as an undrafted agent from Colorado State-Pueblo.

Pennel spent last season in Atlanta after spending three seasons with the Packers. He also played two seasons with the Jets. He has been in 101 games, with 16 starts, over eight NFL seasons.

He has 176 tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits.

Attaochu (29), played in five Bears games last season, making two tackles. Attaochu was active in 129 defensive snaps as well as 25 special teams.