Free-agent linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, a former Hawaii star, agreed yesterday to a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears after leading the St. Louis Rams in tackles four of the past six seasons.

The Bears also agreed to terms with safety Al Afalava, a Kahuku High School alumnus, who was a sixth-round pick out of Oregon State.

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Tinoisamoa led the Rams with 135 tackles (88 solo) before getting released by a new coaching staff seeking more size. In Chicago, he's reuniting with coach Lovie Smith, his defensive coordinator during the 2003 season in St. Louis.

Tinoisamoa will probably start at strongside linebacker alongside Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher. Incumbent Nick Roach and former starter Hunter Hillenmeyer are in the mix, too.