The Chicago Bears have signed Jared Allen to a four-year deal worth as much as $32 million.

Allen will receive $15.5 million in guaranteed money and could void after three years and $24 million.

"We're really excited about adding Jared to our football team. We know what his abilities bring to the table," Bears coach Mark Trestman told the team's website. "We believe he's going to come in hungry and excited to be part of our football team, and we believe he'll fit right in."

Allen has 128.5 career sacks, 12th most in NFL history.

Allen had also visited the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys while also considering the idea of retirement.