May 06--The Bears have signed the first player from their nine-man draft class, completing a deal with Northern Iowa cornerback Deiondre' Hall, according to an NFL source.
Hall, one of three fourth-round draft picks, gets a four-year contract. The total value is $2,850,982 and includes a $510,982 signing bonus. The base salaries are the minimums for the next four years: $450,000 this season, $540,000 in 2017, $630,000 in 2018 and $720,000 in 2019.
Hall was the second fourth-round pick in the NFL to have a deal done. Teams have started signing picks quickly; the Falcons have their entire draft class under contract. Since the rookie contracts became slotted, it's generally a routine process.
The Bears will hold their rookie minicamp at Halas Hall next weekend. Several more players are expected to have deals done by then, and it's possible the entire class will be signed.
bmbiggs@tribpub.com
