The Chicago Bears made it clear that addressing tight end was a priority this offseason. After adding a veteran in Demetrius Harris, the expectation was that Chicago was going to add another tight end in free agency and even in the upcoming NFL Draft.
The Bears made their first move of the “legal tampering” phase of free agency agreeing to terms with veteran tight end Jimmy Graham on a two-year deal with $16 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Graham will reportedly get $9 million in guaranteed money.
Jimmy Graham to the Bears on a two-year, $16 million deal, including $9 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020
Graham, 33, becomes the oldest player on Chicago’s roster. But it’s worth noting that Graham has not missed a game since 2015, which is important when noting one of the issues with Bears tight ends in 2019. With that said, Graham has had his share of injury struggles over the years.
Graham spent the last two seasons with the Packers, where he was an adequate weapon for Aaron Rodgers. Graham had 93 catches for 1,083 yards and five touchdowns during that span.
The Packers parted ways with Graham due in large part to his $11 million salary. Chicago was able to get Graham for roughly $8 million a year, which is still less than his three-year, $30 million deal with Green Bay.
While Graham certainly has a lot of miles on him, he’ll provide a veteran presence in the tight end room for the Bears.
The Bears also reportedly made a run at free agent tight end Austin Hooper, who ended up signing with the Browns.
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