Bears re-sign Miller to 1-year deal despite uncertain football future
The Chicago Bears showed their class Monday, re-signing tight end Zach Miller to a one-year contract.
Miller's playing future is uncertain after he dislocated his left knee and tore the popliteal artery that supplies blood to the lower leg while attempting to make a diving touchdown catch last season. He needed emergency surgery to save his leg and then underwent eight subsequent procedures.
The 33-year-old's contract will pay him $458,000 in 2018 if he's unable to play, and $790,000 if he overcomes the odds and makes a comeback, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
Miller said in January he hopes to resume his NFL career with his knee now "stable," according to Phil Thompson of the Chicago Tribune. However, he appears at peace with his football days potentially being over, saying that if he's played his last down, "then that's just the way it goes and we got to move on and do something else."
He has spent the last three seasons in Chicago, appearing in 33 games and catching 101 passes.