Bears Sign Roush to Four-Year Contract
The Chicago Bears signed tight end Sam Roush to a four-year rookie contract worth $7.35 million, finalizing all of the team's 2026 rookie deals.
A Stanford product and 2025 second-team All-ACC, Roush posted 49 receptions for 545 yards as a senior and logged elite athletic metrics, including a top PFN TE Impact Score and a 9.94 Relative Athletic Score.
The Bears view him primarily as a blocking tight end in 13-personnel formations behind Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, but his production and upside could lead to a larger offensive role.
Roush is the Bears’ third-round pick and completes the team’s set of drafted players, with an additional third-round selection, Zavion Thomas, also under contract.
The organization expects to deploy multiple tight ends this season, and training camp will begin with rookies reporting ahead of the veterans as the team assesses Roush’s fit in Ben Johnson’s system.
Chicago Bears sign tight end Sam Roush to four-year rookie contract
The Chicago Bears have signed tight end Sam Roush to his four-year rookie contract, finalizing their rookie deals for the 2026 season. Roush, the No. 69 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is expected to primarily contribute as a blocking tight end while providing head coach Ben Johnson with greater flexibility in offensive personnel packages.
Key Points
- Sam Roush was drafted by the Bears in the third round (No. 69 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft.
- His four-year rookie contract is worth $7.35 million.
- Roush is projected to specialize as a blocker in 12 and 13 personnel offensive packages.
Sam Roush’s collegiate background and rookie expectations
Roush played four seasons at Stanford (2022–25), appearing in 48 games with 34 starts at tight end. As Stanford’s team captain in 2025, he recorded career-highs of 49 receptions and 545 receiving yards, earning Second-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. He totaled 119 receptions for 1,201 yards and four touchdowns in his collegiate career. Roush also received Stanford’s highest athletic honor, the Al Masters Award, and the Tommy Vardell Award for excellence in both athletics and academics.
Role on the Chicago Bears roster
With established tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet on the roster, Roush is expected to serve primarily as a blocking tight end in favor of his strengths, particularly in head coach Ben Johnson’s preferred 12 and 13 personnel sets. His high athletic score heading into the draft and solid collegiate production suggest potential for an expanded offensive role in the future. The signing of Roush completes the Bears’ rookie contract signings ahead of training camp.
Questions and answers
Q: Sam Roush rookie contract details
A: Sam Roush signed his rookie contract with the Chicago Bears after being drafted. Typically, rookie contracts for players selected in the mid to late rounds include a four-year deal with a signing bonus and base salaries structured according to the NFL's rookie wage scale. Specific financial details such as the total value and guaranteed money may vary based on his draft position and negotiations.
Q: Chicago Bears 2026 draft picks
A: The Chicago Bears' 2026 draft picks have not been fully determined, as NFL draft selections depend on the team's performance in the 2025 season and any trades made prior to the draft. Generally, the Bears will have one pick in each of the seven rounds, subject to compensatory picks or trades. Detailed information about their exact selections will become clearer as the 2026 draft approaches.
Q: Sam Roush collegiate football stats
A: During his collegiate career, Sam Roush displayed strong performance as a tight end, contributing both in receptions and blocking duties. He amassed a solid number of receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and reliability on the field. His college stats reflect his development and readiness to transition to the professional level with the Chicago Bears.
Q: Chicago Bears tight end depth chart
A: The Chicago Bears' tight end depth chart features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Sam Roush is part of this group, competing alongside veterans for playing time and contributing to both the passing and running games. The depth chart can fluctuate throughout the season due to performance, injuries, and coaching decisions.
Q: Sam Roush role in Chicago Bears offense
A: Sam Roush's role in the Chicago Bears offense includes serving as a versatile tight end who can both block effectively and act as a reliable target in the passing game. Depending on the game plan, he may be used in various formations to create mismatches against defenders. His ability to contribute in multiple facets makes him a valuable component in the Bears' offensive schemes.
Key Entities
Sam Roush: Sam Roush is an athlete who committed to play football at Stanford University. His decision adds to Stanford's recruiting efforts in building a competitive collegiate football team.
Chicago Bears: The Chicago Bears are a professional NFL football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are known for their storied history and strong defensive play, contributing to the popularity of football in the Midwest.
Ben Johnson: Ben Johnson is a coach who has been associated with collegiate football programs. He notably served as the offensive coordinator for the University of Michigan football team, contributing to their offensive strategy.
Stanford: Stanford University is a prestigious academic institution known for its strong athletic programs, including its NCAA Division I football team. The university frequently attracts top high school football talent through national recruiting efforts.
Colston Loveland: Colston Loveland is a football player who committed to Stanford University, indicating his role as a promising athlete in college football. His recruitment reflects Stanford's focus on securing skilled players for their football program.
External articles
- Chicago Bears - Sam Roush has signed his rookie contract
- Bears sign third-round TE Sam Roush to complete draft ...
- Chicago Bears sign TE Sam Roush to rookie contract
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YouTube Video
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