The Bears and tight end Dante Rosario have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, according to the team (Twitter link). Rosario, coming off another one-year deal with Chicago, had been eligible for unrestricted free agency next month.
Rosario, 29, had seasons of 26 and 32 catches several years ago with the Panthers, but didn’t act as a receiver often in part-time action for the Bears in 2013. He was very productive as a run blocker, however, recording Pro Football Focus’ second-highest run-blocking grade among tight ends, despite playing just 186 snaps (subscription required).
After earning the minimum salary in 2013, Rosario will likely be in line for a similar deal this time around. Because he now has seven years of NFL experience, that should mean a base salary of $855K. Assuming he signs a minimum salary pact with a signing bonus of no more than $65K, his overall salary will be a little larger than his cap hit.