The New Orleans Saints announced Friday that they’re matching the Bears’ offer sheet for restricted free agent TE Josh Hill.
The #Saints have retained TE Josh Hill by exercising their right of first refusal on the Bears offer sheet pic.twitter.com/U4q7GSYeAb
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 25, 2016
The Bears signed Hill to a three-year deal worth a maximum of $7.5 million, which includes $3.25 million guaranteed after New Orleans used just a low-round tender on Hill a few weeks ago.
It appeared as though the Saints’ cap situation could prevent them from matching the offer sheet, but it looks like New Orleans is prepared to make a roster move to create some more room.
Hill, 25, wound up signing on with the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Idaho State back in 2013. He was expected to be a breakout player for New Orleans after they traded Jimmy Graham to the Seahawks, but he was largely overshadowed by veteran TE Ben Watson.
In 2015, Hill appeared in all 16 games for the Saints and recorded 16 receptions for 120 yards receiving and two touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 41 tight end out of 67 qualifying players.
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