Bears Sign TE Josh Hill To Offer Sheet
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) The Bears have signed tight end Josh Hill to an offer sheet, a source close to the situation confirmed. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune first reported this story, saying it's a three-year deal tendered.
Hill, 25, visited the Bears at Halas Hall on Monday and leaves with an offer sheet signed. The New Orleans Saints, his team of the past three seasons, now must match the offer sheet within five days.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace confirmed the team's interest in adding another tight end to the fold. Just last week, Chicago re-signed tight ends Zach Miller and Rob Housler, adding them to a roster that also includes Khari Lee and Gannon Sinclar. Also last week, the Bears traded tight end Martellus Bennett along with a sixth-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for a fourth-round selection, moving up 77 spots with the transaction.
Hill caught 16 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns last season with the Saints, working in a reserve role behind Ben Watson. An Idaho State product, Hill was added by a Saints front office that then included Pace.
Speaking to ChicagoBears.com, the team's official website, Pace expressed his optimism for finalizing the free agency period.
"We've just got to be strategic with this part, too," Pace said, pointing to how he moves on from a strong haul thus far. "It's kind of like the later rounds of the draft or college free agency. You can find good value here and that's kind of the point we're at in free agency right now."
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
