The Chicago Bears made significant adjustments to their roster on Tuesday following a tough defensive day against the Miami Dolphins. After taking a beating in the secondary during Sunday’s game, the Bears added four new defensive backs in hopes of strengthening their coverage units. These moves directly respond to the team’s poor performance on special teams, especially in kick and punt coverage.
New Defensive Backs Join Bears Roster
The Bears signed four defensive backs with varied NFL and professional league experience: Mekhi Garner, Millard Bradford, Mark Perry, and Kaleb Hayes. Garner, who spent two seasons mostly on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, appeared in four games including a playoff game versus Tampa Bay. Bradford, a former safety for the New Orleans Saints, has a previous connection to Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Perry’s background includes brief stints on the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans, though he never played in a game. Hayes has bounced between multiple NFL teams and played professionally for the Michigan Panthers in the United Football League (UFL).
Roster Moves Include Waiving Key Players Close to Caleb Williams
To make space for the new defensive backs, the Bears waived backup kicker Jonathan Kim and wide receiver John Jackson, who is known for his close relationship with quarterback Caleb Williams from their time at USC. Jackson spent last season on the Bears’ practice squad but was released in this round of cuts. Additionally, injured former LSU safety Major Burns was waived, and cornerback Shaun Wade was placed on injured reserve.
Defensive Coordinator’s Influence and Player Backgrounds
Millard Bradford’s signing stands out due to his former connection with Dennis Allen, providing continuity in defensive philosophy. While Bradford was signed after Allen’s departure from the Saints, that prior relationship likely influenced the Bears’ decision. The rest of the group brings a mix of experience from college, NFL practice squads, and other professional leagues like the UFL, reflecting the Bears’ strategy to bolster depth in their secondary.
Looking Ahead to Improved Special Teams and Defensive Performance
These roster changes signal the Bears’ focus on shoring up weak points exposed during the Miami game, particularly on special teams coverage where mistakes proved costly. Adding experienced defensive backs aims to stabilize the secondary, while moving on from players like John Jackson marks a clear reset on personnel tied to quarterback Caleb Williams. How these additions perform in upcoming games will be crucial for the Bears as they seek better defensive consistency and special teams reliability.