CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears re-signed defensive tackle Nate Collins to a one-year deal for the league minimum of $715,000.

The Bears opted not to offer Collins a restricted free agent tender, but they clearly wanted him back at a reduced price.

A veteran of three NFL seasons, Collins signed a one-year contract with the Bears in May. He made a positive impression on the coaching staff in the preseason and eventually earned a spot on the Bears' 53-man roster after he served a one-game suspension in Week 1 for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Once he officially rejoined the team in Week 2, Collins remained inactive until Oct. 28, when he made five tackles in his Bears debut against the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field.

Collins dressed for the next eight games but was inactive for the Bears' regular-season finale in Detroit.

Collins previously played for new Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker when the two were members of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010 and 2011.