While free agents flew off the board today, there was confusion surrounding the contract status of Eddie Royal. Multiple reports (via Twitter) suggested the veteran wideout had agreed to terms, or was close to a deal, with the Bears, but those reports were just as quickly shot down (Twitter link).
However, according to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune (Twitter link) and Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com, Royal is at least paying a visit to Chicago, even if he hasn’t agreed to a deal with the team yet. According to Dickerson, several other potential suitors have expressed interest in Royal, but the Bears are the “clear frontrunner” to sign him.
Royal, who caught balls from Jay Cutler in Denver earlier in his career, isn’t exactly an ideal candidate to replace Brandon Marshall, who was officially traded to the Jets today. But the Bears are rebuilding a wide receiving corps that doesn’t feature a ton of talent behind Alshon Jeffery, so adding a slot receiver like Royal is also a priority for the club.
In San Diego last season, Royal caught 62 balls for 778 receiving yards. Both marks were his best since his rookie season with the Broncos in 2008.