Bears watch $34.4 million go to waste in three injured players
The Chicago Bears signed outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, wide receiver Eddie Royal and safety Antrel Rolle in free agency last offseason. These three players cost the team a total of $34.4 million, and yet the Bears have little to show for this spending spree.
McPhee, Royal and Rolle will combine to miss at least 17 games this season due to various injuries.
Via Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune:
Rolle was placed on injured reserve on Monday with a knee injury. He also suffered an ankle injury earlier in the season, so his impact in Chicago's secondary has been minimal. McPhee has been on the injury report with various ailments all season but has so far been able to avoid injured reserve, although a worsening knee injury is threatening his availability for the remainder of the season.
Royal is the only one of these three players on the upswing. His knee injury cost him most of November and a good chunk of December, but he was able to return for the Bears' Week 14 matchup with the Washington Redskins. He caught one pass for 15 yards in the losing effort.
Rolle, McPhee and Royal are all under contract through next season, so these free-agent signings will get another chance to prove their worth in 2016.
