The Bears improved on both sides of the ball by signing safety Antrel Rolle and wide receiver Eddie Royal to three-year deals on Wednesday night.
Rolle, a 10-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowl selection, started all 16 games in each of the last five seasons for the New York Giants at strong safety. The 32-year-old Rolle registered 464 tackles and 14 interceptions during his time in New York. After being picked in the first round of the 2005 draft, Rolle spent the first five seasons of his career with Arizona, where he totaled 335 tackles and 12 interceptions.
Rolle, whose deal is reportedly worth $11.25 million with $5 million guaranteed, will join outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, who signed a five-year contract with the Bears earlier on Wednesday.
“It’s official,” Rolle wrote on Instagram. “Today was a long, painful, and exhausting day! But in the end we both get what we want. A team that wants to win and a player that would give them everything he got to win! Thank you to the Chicago organization for making this day possible once again.”
Royal spent the past three seasons with the San Diego Chargers, with his 2014 campaign being his most productive with 62 catches for 778 yards and seven touchdowns.
Interestingly, the best season of Royal’s career came in his rookie year with Denver in 2008 when he caught 91 passes for 980 yards and five touchdowns. His quarterback? None other than the Bears’ Jay Cutler.
Overall in his career, Royal has recorded 338 catches for 3,750 yards and 25 touchdowns. With Brandon Marshall traded to the Jets, Royal will provide a nice complement to Alshon Jeffrey and tight end Martellus Bennett.
Royal has also proven to be a capable punt returner, averaging 10.6 yards and scoring twice on 111 attempts in his career.
The financial terms of Royal’s deal were not disclosed.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
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