For the second time in his career, Eddie Royal will be catching passes from Jay Cutler.
Royal is signing with the Chicago Bears, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports, via a source informed of the wide receiver's thinking.
As a hotshot rookie in 2008, Royal hauled in 91 passes for 980 yards and five touchdowns with Cutler as the Broncos quarterback.
Although Royal never reached those heights again, he's coming off a solid season with 778 yards and seven touchdowns on 62 receptions with the Chargers.
The Bears were in need of a veteran receiver after trading Brandon Marshall to the Jets. Whether or not another wideout is acquired through free agency or the draft, Royal is likely ticketed for the slot, allowing Marquess Wilson to kick outside.
Cutler's passing game won't be as high-powered without Marshall, but the addition of Royal will at least help him move the chains in more of a ball-control attack.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast breaks down every trade and free-agent signing and discusses the impact of Darrelle Revis' return to the Jets. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.