Bears Reportedly Sign Former Packers TE Jimmy Graham

When the Green Bay Packers released veteran tight end Jimmy Graham last week, it wasn't expected that he would have a robust market in free agency.

Ironically enough, Graham's stint on the open market won't even live to see the official beginning of the NFL's free agency period on Wednesday.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported on Monday night that Graham is staying in the NFC North and will sign a two-year, $16 million contract with the Chicago Bears. The deal includes $9 million guaranteed.

Jimmy Graham to the Bears on a two-year, $16 million deal, including $9 million guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2020

Though Graham has tailed off a bit in recent seasons, this is a move that makes sense for the Bears as the team got next to zero production from the tight end position in 2019.

Trey Burton was expected to emerge as the No. 1 guy in the Windy City last season, but he's yet to prove that he can remain healthy. Once he went down with a calf injury, unknown commodities Ben Braunecker, Jesper Horsted, and Adam Shaheen were forced into action.

Mitch Trubisky obviously has a limited ceiling but (with all due respect) even some of the league's best gunslingers couldn't have made stars out of that trio.

The #Bears are signing former #Packers TE Jimmy Graham to a 2-year, $16M deal with $9M guaranteed, per @AdamSchefter.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) March 16, 2020

Graham, a five-time Pro Bowler, will get significant playing time in Chicago. In two seasons with the Packers, the 33-year-old tallied 93 receptions for 1,083 yards, and five touchdowns.