Chicago Bears: Free Agency Day 1

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015 NFL season is just a couple hours old and there have already been a ton of moves. In a league that hardly ever makes trades, there have already been 4-5 major ones in the last week! Here is a breakdown of Bears rumors, NFL trades, and other significant free agent signings and rumors from day 1.

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Bears News

1.) DE/OLB Pernell McPhee is in Chicago right now and the 5-year, $40M deal is expected to be announced soon. I covered this yesterday and with a day to think about it, I like it even more. Here is a non-biased take on McPhee.

2.) The Bears are rumored to have signed WR Eddie Royal who is at Halas Hall today. There are conflicting reports on whether it is official or not and I will have an in-depth post on this when it has been confirmed. My initial reaction is that Royal fits the slot receiver role that the Bears have been missing the last few seasons. Royal has the quickness and route running ability that the rest of the receiving core is missing and he could also help out in the return game.

3.) Veteran free safety Antrel Rolle is visiting the Bears today along with McPhee and Royal, but as of this post there is no contract in place. Rolle is 32 and looked like he lost a step last season, but he’s got great instincts, good size, and can still lay people out over the middle. New DC Vic Fangio likes big, versatile safeties and Rolle checks those boxes.

4.) Brandon Marshall passed his physical in New York with makes the trade official. News was also released that the Bears are including a 7th round pick with Marshall in the deal. So the final tally is Brandon Marshall and a 7th round pick to the Jets for a 5th rounder. In his press conference Marshall said he thinks he can play for 10 more years. So, yeah, he’s still crazy.

5.) Potential free agent target DT Terrance Knighton has ruled out the Raiders and Broncos from his potential destinations. His choices are down to the Colts, Redskins, and our beloved Chicago Bears. With the Redskins signing of Stephen Paea (more on this soon), I think it comes down to the Colts and Bears. I don’t love our chances, but hopefully Knighton’s familiarity with John Fox is the deciding factor.