Bears coach Lovie Smith has been wanting to keep free agent tight end Kellen Davis in Chicago because he sees untapped potential in the athletic, 6-foot-7, 262-pound specimen.
Smith’s wish has been granted by management. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reports Davis has re-signed for two seasons.
Davis was drawing interest from the Bengals, Cowboys, and Steelers. Only the Bears could offer him a surefire starting job.
Look for Davis’ production to increase in new Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice’s scheme. Tight ends rarely caught passes under ex-coordinator Mike Martz.
Davis was the No. 95 overall player on our Hot 100.
UPDATE 8:03 p.m. ET: A source with knowledge of the deal tells PFT that Davis will receive a $2.7 million signing bonus, a $700,000 base salary, and a $100,000 workout bonus in 2012. He’ll receive a $2.4 million base salary and a $100,000 workout bonus in 2013. That’s a total of two years, $6 million.