With about two weeks to go until training camp, Chicago Bears fans knew the team needed to do one more thing before they can officially start the 2026 season: get rookie third-round pick Sam Roush under contract.
Well, the wait is over as the Bears finally got it done, announcing that Roush has signed his rookie contract. It is a four-year deal worth $7.35 million. He was the last rookie to sign his contract with the Bears.
Before Chicago selected him in the third round of this year's draft, he had a career season with the Stanford Cardinal. He caught 49 passes for 545 yards and two touchdowns.
Sam Roush is the last rookie signed by the Bears
Roush is going to have a pivotal role in this Bears offense in 2026, as the team focuses on running more 13-personnel with three tight ends on the field. Colston Loveland will be the number one tight end in the offense, while Cole Kmet will be his backup.
What Roush's role be in 2026 is he will be more of the blocking tight end they were missing this offseason. Loveland and Kmet will handle more of the passing game, but Roush can help with run or pass blocking this season.
Chicago shouldn't underestimate Roush's ability to catch the ball, though, as he proved himself to be pretty good when he was at Stanford. He was considered to be the top blocking tight end in the draft this year, though.
The Bears are viewing Roush as the future backup tight end of the team, as they could move on from Kmet at some point, whether that's this season in a trade or cut, or doing it next offseason. Loveland and Roush would make for the perfect duo once Roush develops into an NFL tight end.
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Everything is in place now for the Bears and the real work begins. Fans will have to be patient, but the Bears can begin their defense for the NFC North title and hopefully get into the Super Bowl conversation.
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