Bears sign Harrison, Monk to deals

Former Razorbacks Marcus Harrison and Marcus Monk have signed or agreed to terms to contracts with the Chicago Bears, according to a report today.

Monk, who was sideline most of last season because of a knee injury, reportedly agreed to terms recently. Harrison, drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft as a defensive tackle, signed a four-year contract today, according to the Bears’ official Web site.

UPDATE: The Chicago Tribune reports Harrison will receive a $700,000 signing bonus.

Here’s more:

Harrison is a first-round talent who dropped in the draft because of durability and character concerns. The 6-3, 310-pounder tore his left ACL last spring, but rebounded to register 76 tackles, 6½ tackles-for-loss and 1½ sacks while starting 10 games at Arkansas. He also batted down 10 passes and forced one fumble.

“He’s got some talent and some ability and some strength,” said defensive line coach Brick Haley. “There are a lot of things that we like about him.”

Monk was drafted in the seventh and final round in April.

Former Hog running back Peyton Hillis, who plowed the way for two-time Heisman runner-up Darren McFadden, will reportedly receive about $51,000 in a signing bonus with the Denver Broncos. Hillis, like Monk, was selected in the seventh round.

 – Brandon Marcello

Filed under: Arkansas Football by Brandon Marcello. Posted on: July 1, 2008 at 2:37 pm