Bears Finalize 2026 Rookie Class Signings With TE Sam Roush

The Chicago Bears put pen to paper on Friday, signing rookie tight end Sam Roush to a contract. 

Now that Roush has signed, all of the Bears' rookies have agreed to their contracts. Dillon Thieneman, Logan Jones, Zavion Thomas, Malik Muhammad, Keyshaun Elliott and Jordan Van Den Berg are now under contract for the foreseeable future. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the contract is a four-year deal worth $7.35 million. 

Roush was taken in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Stanford. Roush had 545 receiving yards in his final season at Stanford, but what stands out about him are his physical traits. 

Roush came in at 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds at the NFL Combine. He can be a receiving option at tight end and help out as a blocker in the running game, which is perfect for what the Bears do offensively. 

The Bears prioritize establishing the running game with D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai in the backfield. 

The decision to draft Roush was made with this season in mind, but it also sets up the Bears for future success. 

If you look at the state of the tight end room, it's in pretty good hands. Colston Loveland just had an impressive rookie season, leading the team with 713 receiving yards. 

Cole Kmet was a great complement to Loveland as the blocking tight end on offense. Kmet still made his fair share of plays in the red zone, especially in the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams. 

General Manager Ryan Poles picked Roush for another reason. After looking at Kmet's remaining contract, it makes sense. 

Kmet's four-year, $50 million contract is set to expire in 2028 per Spotrac. When that contract runs out, Roush will be next in line to fill the role Kmet has in the offense. Kmet will be 29 by the time his current deal is up, and the Bears may be motivated to save money by going with a younger version of him instead. 

Initially, the decision to get Roush in the third round was confusing, given that Loveland and Kmet were on the roster. After looking at the implications for the future, it actually makes much more sense. 

With all the rookies now signed to their contracts, the Bears have training camp and the preseason remaining before the start of the 2026 season. 

Rookies and quarterbacks report on July 25, while everyone else will be heading to training camp on July 28.