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General manager Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears are up and running.
Minutes after the official start to the free agency negotiating period — legal tampering is not a thing — Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that Josh Bellamy will be brought back. This will be done via placing the original round tender, which is worth around $1.9 million.
A regular contributor on special teams, Bellamy’s been involved in the passing game over the past few years. In 2017, Bellamy recorded 24 receptions with 376 yards and one touchdown. He figures to be a key player on the third phase, without being called upon as frequently in the passing game moving forward.
Meanwhile, veteran long snapper Patrick Scales will not be tendered by the Bears. After missing the entire 2017 season because of a torn ACL, he is not projected to return as a new philosophy on special teams is set to be installed. Chicago begins their search for another long snapper as a result.
These moves to take care of their own are assuredly but the first few steps for the Bears this free agency.