''I'll be back at Halas Hall [this] morning,'' Gaines said Monday as he traveled to his home in Detroit following a visit with the team, physical and quick contract negotiation.

Gaines' contract is for one year and can reach $1.25 million. He was also being pursued by the New York Jets before they changed direction and re-signed veteran Bubba Franks. Provided he makes the team, Gaines could become the best blocking tight end on a roster that missed John Gilmore last season. The Bears converted just 23 of 35 (65.7 percent) situations where it was third- or fourth-and-one.

''Like I told coach Lovie [Smith] and the staff, 'Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it,''' Gaines said. ''If that's block all game, I'll block all game. I'm not a guy that's needing the ball 100 times a season. That ain't my issue. Whatever my role calls me to do, that's cool. I'm probably best known as a blocker, but I'm an athlete, and I see myself doing it all.''

The Bears rely heavily on tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen. Kellen Davis was on the field for only 40 plays as a rookie fifth-round pick last season.

The 6-4, 277-pound Gaines figures to challenge Davis for a roster spot unless the Bears carve out a spot for the newcomer as a second fullback.

Detroit released Gaines, 29, on April 30 after the Lions used two draft picks on tight ends. He was one of the final additions of the Matt Millen era, signed to a $10 million, four-year contract with $3 million guaranteed last year.

Gaines caught 23 passes in 2008, including six in a game at Soldier Field, and had a career-high 25 receptions in 2007 with Buffalo.

''I can't wait to get back and get to work,'' Gaines said. ''That meant a lot to me how the Bears recruited me. So it was a no-brainer for me.''

NOTES: The Bears have 79 players on their roster.

- After offering Arizona a second-round draft pick for Anquan Boldin on draft weekend, the Bears will be linked to the wide receiver until he has a new contract from the Cardinals or another team.