Bell signs $1.26 million deal with Bears
Restricted free agent running back Kahlil Bell on Wednesday signed his one-year, $1.26 million tender offer from the Bears.
The three-year veteran from UCLA had his most productive NFL season in 2011, rushing for 337 yards on 79 carries (4.3-yard average) and catching 19 passes for 133 yards, all career highs.
The 5-foot-11, 219-pound Bell also started his first three NFL games, moving past Marion Barber on the depth chart late in the year after starter Matt Forte suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Bell rushed for a career-high 121 yards on 23 carries in a Week 16 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
After signing, he tweeted: “Going on year number 4!!! God is so great. Now it’s time to get to work. Blessed beyond belief!!!”
Forte still has yet to sign his franchise tender of $7.7 million and is not participating in the Bears’ off-season program.