The Chicago Bears’ first free agent signing came as a bit of a surprise when it was announced they had agreed to a two-year deal with former All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham worth $16 million on Monday. Now, the details surrounding his contract have been revealed.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Graham’s contract includes $9 million guaranteed, all in 2020. He receives a $6 million signing bonus and $3 million in base salary. Graham also will earn a base salary of $6.9 million in 2021, but can be released with a $3 million cap hit, according to NBC Sports Chicago’s Adam Hoge.
The deal also features a no-trade clause for the 33-year old tight end, something of a rarity in the NFL. The deal is the second-largest contract for a tight end in free agency this year, only behind Austin Hooper’s deal with the Cleveland Browns, per Spotrac.
Graham, who spent time with Bears general manager Ryan Pace as a member of the New Orleans Saints from 2010-14, is a five-time Pro Bowler who also played with the Seattle Seahawks (2015-17) and the Green Bay Packers (2018-19). He caught 38 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns in his final season with the Packers.
The former Miami Hurricane joins a crowded tight end room in Chicago, but immediately vaults to the top of the depth chart in an offense desperate for help at the position.
