Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has expressed his belief that Jared Allen can have a resurgence in his career playing at outside linebacker.

The 33-year-old has played as a defensive end throughout his 11 years in the NFL, but will now play as a linebacker in Fangio's 3-4 system with the Bears next season.

"[Allen] did well in the minicamp we had here, and I think he was excited about it," Fangio told reporters. "Like I told him, I think he can have a rebirth to his career here playing a little bit of a new position.

"But in the NFL today, you play more nickel than you actually play base. For some teams they play nickel 65-75% of the time. He'll be playing his normal position then. So it's not as drastic of a change as you might think."

Allen recorded 56 tackles and 5.5 sacks in his first season with the Bears.