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Over the last couple of in-game weeks, the Chicago Bears and Ben Johnson have been hard at work to consistently improve the roster and set it up for success this season and beyond by getting younger, stronger, faster, better. The Bears made six total transactions split into three roster swaps.
Improving the Defensive Interior
Signed DT Jordan Jefferson
We are always looking to get younger, stronger, better, especially on the line of scrimmage so when we found 23-year-old Jordan Jefferson chilling on a practice squad it was an easy decision to extend him a contract offer. He’s youthful and very solid, 6 whole overall points better than the guy we released to make room. It was evident he deserved a spot on the active roster, and may get playing time next to Gervon Dexter as Grady Jarrett and Andrew Billings are 32 and 30 years old, respectively.
Released DT Chris Williams
He straight up stunk and would have been cut earlier if I was signing a defensive tackle to replace him because I refuse to carry just three DTs as a 4-3 defense. However, once I found Jefferson and locked in on him, I knew I could get rid of Williams who was overpriced as well as older and way worse than the defense around him. Williams did see the field on special teams, especially punts and field goals, so I’m hoping that will make a difference, even if miniscule.
Never Satisfied
Signed CB Mekhi Blackmon to Practice Squad
I did a double take when I saw a 76 overall cornerback sitting in free agency that was practice squad eligible. I had to s***** him up and protect him. There just isn’t much talent on first-year practice squads, it was very easy to make room for him and justify a 26-year-old mingling with all that youth. Defensive backs are so important as is depth at the position as passing becomes the standard and nickel and dime are used more than 4-3/3-4 sets. With the new contract rules, it’s great to have a guy like this on the practice squad, because he couldn’t get a cycle extension anyway.
Released QB Devin Leary from Practice Squad
I really like Devin Leary and thankfully Madden didn’t give Tyson Bagent his 2-year contract that costs 8 million a year… as a 60 0verall backup quarterback. Yeah, don’t get me started on some contracts my real GM, Ryan Poles, has left me with. Either way, that’s why Leary was on the practice squad: To be a cheap backup next year and maybe even the year after. However, the spot is too important and I can offer a contract to someone of his caliber for a 2-year minimum deal to back up Caleb Williams.
For The Future
Signed WILL LB Chris Paul Jr
Very similarly to the Jordan Jefferson signing, this was just a slam-dunk contract offer to bring a 22-year-old linebacker on to the active roster to develop. He may mainly be a special teamer this season, but is a prospect we really like at his overall and athleticism. It’s nothing out of this world, but absolutely enough to keep up with most tight ends and hit the gaps in the run game. We hope he can be around for the cycle, even if just as depth. He pairs well with anyone.
Released WILL LB D’Marco Jackson
He actually wasn’t my worst linebacker left and was pretty athletic at 87 speed, but position change rules are in effect so it made more sense to cut the 27-year-old on a one year rental than Penei Sewell’s brother, Noah, who is still on his rookie contract, even if he’s worse. Six linebackers is overkill, but I like my roster rounded out for special teams and hopefully Jackson’s departure lets Chris Paul see the field.
