Raiders sign LB Roach, likely starter inside

Seventh-year linebacker Nick Roach signed with the Oakland Raiders and is expected to be the starting middle linebacker in 2013.

General manager Reggie McKenzie announced the signing Friday.

Roach, primarily a strong-side linebacker for the Chicago Bears over the past five seasons, filled in for injured middle linebacker Brian Urlacher in 2012. He started 14 games in '12.

The 6-foot-1, 234-pound Roach had 59 starts -- 29 in the past two seasons -- in six seasons with Chicago. His career totals include 3.5 sacks, 14 passes defensed, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries since entering the NFL as a non-drafted free agent in 2007.