One of the Chicago Bears’ top rotational defensive linemen is about to be back in the fold for 2020.
#Bears roster update:
We have tendered Restricted Free Agent DE Roy Robertson-Harris.— Chicago Bears (@BearsPR) March 13, 2020
The Bears announced they have tendered a contract to restricted free agent Roy Robertson-Harris. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports it is a second-round tender for Robertson-Harris, which OverTheCap.com estimates to be worth $3.278 million in 2020. That’s a bold move from the Bears, especially if you consider that Robertson-Harris was signed as an undrafted free agent. A second-round tender speaks volumes about what Chicago’s front office thinks about the 26-year-old UTEP product.
This is a slam-dunk deal for a player who fits Chicago’s defense like a glove because of his strength, versatility, energy, and motor. Robertson-Harris set a career best in snaps (543) and percentage of defensive plays (50.6%) in 2019. It was a solid season in the defensive line rotation, as Robertson-Harris picked up 2.5 sacks, 3 tackles-for-loss, 10 quarterback hits, and a career-high 30 tackles as he played in 15 games (including 7 starts).
Teams could still offer Robertson-Harris an offer sheet in free agency, but if he were to sign it, the Bears would be compensated with a second-round pick. I imagine that is too steep of a price to pay for some teams, which means Robertson-Harris is virtually back with the Bears for the 2020 season.