Zack Bowman is headed back for a sixth season with the Bears, according to a league source.

Bowman will be signing a one-year deal.

A fifth-round pick of the Bears in 2008, Bowman has appeared in 57 games and started 16 games. But he's distinguished himself as an asset on special teams.

Bowman, 28, signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings last year. But he was released just after the final cuts to make room for cornerback A.J. Jefferson, whom the Vikings acquired in a trade.

Upon his return, Bowman immediately made an impact on special teams, particularly after the departure of Corey Graham, a Pro Bowl selection in 2011.