Jedrick Wills is indeed returning to the NFL. The former first-round pick missed all of the 2025 season due to a knee injury suffered the year before and is now set to sign a one-year deal with the Bears, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Willis, 26, arrived in Cleveland as the No. 10 selection in the 2020 draft. He took over as the team’s starting left tackle and was named to the All-Rookie team in what remains the best pass-blocking performance of his career, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Willis missed four games in 2021, but returned for a full season in 2022. The injuries began to crop up after that with only 13 appearances across 2023 and 2024, the latter of which featured a season-ending MCL tear in Week 9.
Wills looked into playing in 2025, but opted to sit the season out to solidify his recovery. He will be another left tackle option for the Bears, who used four different players at the position last year. Second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo held down the starting job in the second half of the season but is expected to miss most of 2026 with a knee injury suffered in the playoffs. Wills will compete for Trapilo’s spot with Braxton Jones, who was retained on a one-year contract, and second-year UDFA Theo Benedet. Both started multiple games last season, with Jones opening the year as the starter as he did for the previous three and Benedet supplanting him in Week 4.
That could be a tough battle for Wills. His pass blocking efficiency and grades from PFF have steadily trended downward since his rookie year with injuries impacting his availability and level of play. Ideally, the extended time away from the field will have allowed him to not only fully recover from his last injury, but improve his durability to prevent more.
Hmmmmm. Has possibilities I suppose. Former 1st round pick so he must have some skills.
I like having options at least. Theo, Braxton, the ghost of Kiran, and now Willis.
A low risk possible moderate reward. Could be another Alex Leatherwood but hey, give him a shot.
Benedet could get called for a penalty going to the bathroom.
Nice depth signing.
Maybe. Alabama OL picks tend to be over rated. They seem more likely to regress when they hit the NFL. But hey I’m enthused until I see a reason not to be. Hopefully Ozzie makes it back sometime next year. Even if it’s later.
I like the deal for you guys. Experienced LT who was a former 1st. It’s all about repetitions and scheme for him. It’s a low cost high value move. Poles is doing a good job this offseason not biting at the market for some of these positions, and trusting his scouts.
From the picture he certainly looks like a LT.
Word is when Ben heard the news he took off his shirt and screamed good, better, watcha talking bout Wills.
Time for a new joke Studley. That one is stale as month old bread. Still mad about the beating the Bears gave the Eagles? School counseling is available in most High Schools for free.
That schtick is so worn out…
1985.
Double Doink.
I’m sure Ben would send you an autographed picture if you asked real nice. For your HS yearbook.
Sorry. Grown man. Dont cry after football games especially a meaningless regular season lose but thanks. Double doink.