Chicago Sun-Times

Smith is only pick left to sign

- BY PATRICK FINLEY, STAFF REPORTER pfinley@suntimes.com | @patrickfin­ley

On the eve of rookie minicamp, the Bears signed six of their seven draft picks — all but Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith, who was drafted eighth overall last month.

The six to sign were: Iowa guard James Daniels and Memphis wide receiver Anthony Miller, both second- round selections; Western Kentucky inside linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniw­e, a fourth- round pick; Delaware nose tackle Bilal Nichols, a fifth- round selection; Utah edge rusher Kyle Fitts, a sixth- rounder; and Georgia receiver Javon Wims, a seventh- rounder.

The collective- bargaining agreement has made rookie signings, once the source of holdouts and hurt feelings, perfunctor­y. All are fouryear deals within a salary range.

Daniels, the 39th overall pick, figures to make slightly more than the four- year, $ 6.5 million deal — with $ 3.67 million guaranteed — that the same pick from last year, Jets safety Marcus Maye, received.

Miller, the 51st pick, should make just north of the four- year, $ 5.07 million deal — with $ 2.53 guaranteed — that Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Walker got in 2017.

The six signed in time to begin a three- day rookie minicamp, which starts Friday at Halas Hall. Smith could sign before practice. If he doesn’t, it wouldn’t necessaril­y prevent him from participat­ing.

The Bears also signed 15 undrafted free agents, including Oswego High School alum Michael Joseph, a Dubuque cornerback, and Notre Dame linebacker­s Nyles Morgan and Andrew Trumbetti. Others to sign were: Hawaii offensive lineman Dejon Allen; Buck- nell defensive lineman Abdullah Anderson; Indiana defensive back Rashard Fant; Kentucky receiver Garrett Johnson; Oregon State running back Ryan Nall; Shepherd linebacker Elijah Norris; TCU safety Nick Orr; West Georgia receiver Shaq Roland; Old Dominion defensive end Bunmi Rotimi; LSU cornerback Kevin Toliver II; Maryland defensive lineman Cavon Walker; and Pitt punter Ryan Winslow.

The Bears will have 43 tryout players, including two former college star quarterbac­ks: Aaron Murray, who played at Georgia from 2010 to ’ 13, and Trevor Knight, who played at Oklahoma and Texas A& M from 2013 to ’ 16. Tackle Matt McCants and defensive end Kendall Reyes are among the others.

After the three- day minicamp, organized team activities begin Tuesday.

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