σTerm in Pion-Nucleon Scattering

It is argued that the method of Cheng and Dashen gives a calculation of approximately three times the $\sigma$ term, rather than the $\sigma$ term itself. This conclusion is based on a correction derived from a unitarization of the $t$-channel $\pi \pi$ scattering amplitude, consistent with the constraints of current algebra. A detailed analysis of possible model dependence of the result is included.