Roach to sign contract Monday
By Brad Biggs
on March 14, 2009 11:00 PM
Strong-side linebacker Nick Roach will sign a one-year contract on Monday, a source close to the player said.
Roach was tendered as an exclusive rights free agent and really doesn't have any other option unless he was to hold out and ensure veteran Hunter Hillenmeyer gets an immediate leg up on the starting job. With a Northwestern education, here's figuring Roach is brighter than that.
Roach was tendered at $460,000, the minimum for a player with less than three years experience. He played in 14 games and made nine starts last season, recording 40 tackles and two stops for loss. Roach suffered a shoulder injury that kept him out of two games at midseason. Right now, he's believed to have the inside track on the starting job but nothing is set.
Players will report to Halas Hall Monday to have physicals in preparation for the mandatory veteran minicamp. The first of three practices is Tuesday. Roach would not be required to participate if he did not sign the tender because he wouldn't be under contract. He's going to show and sign though.
Roach will be a restricted free agent following the 2009 season. The Bears do not have any RFA's this offseason.
Biggs: Roach to sign contract Monday
Moderator: wab
Well that checks off the last thing on my list of "Must Dos" for the Bears this offseason. The draft should be just a formality now.
“Some say the 46 is just an eight-man front. That’s like saying Marilyn Monroe is just a girl.” -- Buddy Ryan
“It's a sick world, and I'm a happy guy.” -- Uncle Lar
“It's a sick world, and I'm a happy guy.” -- Uncle Lar