UNC in the NFL: Chicago Bears sign first round draft pick Mitchell Trubisky
Former North Carolina quarterback inks rookie deal with Bears
The Chicago Bears took care of an important piece of offseason business on Wednesday when they signed first round draft pick Mitchell Trubisky.
The former North Carolina standout was taken second overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, thanks to a trade made by the Bears on draft day that ensured they’d get their top target in the class.
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The deal comes just a week before the start of training camp, allowing Trubisky to stay on schedule with the rest of the team throughout the summer and leading up to the beginning of the 2017 season.
"“It feels really relieving and exciting all at the same time,” Trubisky said after signing his new deal. “I’m ready to get to work. I was a Chicago Bear as soon as they called my name. I’m excited about the opportunity to be here and I’m just thankful and blessed to be in this situation.”"
Trubisky is the Bears’ highest draft pick since 1951, and just the second quarterback in franchise history taken as high as the No. 2 pick.
The team recently signed veteran quarterback Mike Glennon to a three-year deal worth over $40 million, but Trubisky appears to be their top choice for the future of the franchise.
Trubisky will begin preparing for the season when he reports to Bears training camp next Wednesday in Bourbonnais, Illinois.
"“I’m very excited,” Trusbisky said. “Just getting back to playing the game I love and being out there with these guys and continue to create great chemistry and a new winning culture here in Chicago. So I’m excited to go to training camp, compete every day and see how I can improve my game each day.”"
In his lone season as the Tar Heels’ play-caller, Trubisky had 30 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He threw for 3,748 yards and completed 68 percent of his passes. He finished the season with a passer efficiency rating of 157.9, leading the Tar Heels to 11 wins and an appearance in the Hyundai Sun Bowl.
Next: M.J. Stewart named to preseason Thorpe Award watch list
Check back with Keeping It Heel for future updates on Trubisky and the Tar Heels’ entire 2017 NFL draft class.