Chicago Bears Sign Jedrick Wills: Grading the Move

The Chicago Bears made a quietly intriguing addition to their offensive line by signing former Cleveland Browns first-round pick Jedrick Wills to a one-year contract.

The move may not generate the same buzz as some of the Bears’ defensive additions earlier in free agency, but it directly addresses one of the roster’s biggest remaining questions: offensive tackle depth.

Why the Bears Took the Chance on Jedrick Wills

Wills entered the NFL with significant expectations after being selected 10th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He quickly stepped into Cleveland’s starting lineup and started 57 games during his tenure with the Browns.

Early in his career, Wills showed why he was such a highly regarded prospect, earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 2020 while helping stabilize Cleveland’s offensive line.

MORE: Chicago Bears Winners and Losers After the First Two Days of 2026 Free Agency

However, injuries slowed his development in recent seasons. A knee injury in 2023 disrupted his trajectory, and he ultimately sat out the 2025 season while focusing on recovery.

For Chicago, that context makes the one-year deal especially appealing. If Wills returns healthy, the Bears could gain a starting-caliber tackle without making a long-term financial commitment.

What Wills Means for the Bears' Offensive Line

The Bears’ offensive line remains one of the most scrutinized position groups on the roster.

Chicago already brought back Braxton Jones on a one-year deal, but the team still needed competition and insurance at tackle.

Wills immediately provides both.

At minimum, he strengthens the depth chart and creates legitimate competition at left tackle during training camp. At best, he could push for a starting role and give the Bears another capable protector on the edge.

For a team building its future around Williams, every improvement along the offensive line matters.

The Risk vs. Reward in Signing Jedrick Wills

There is an undeniable risk attached to the Bears signing Wills.

Wills hasn’t played a full season since 2022, and the question of how he returns after sitting out 2025 will be closely monitored. Chicago’s coaching staff will need to determine quickly whether he can return to his early-career form.

MORE: Maxx Crosby Trade Buzz Grows Again as Chicago Bears Emerge as Potential Suitor

But the deal's structure limits downside risk.

One-year contracts for former high draft picks often serve as “prove-it” opportunities, and players in that situation frequently arrive highly motivated to rebuild their value.

Final Grade: B-

Jedrick Wills isn’t flashy, but he's exactly the type of move smart teams make during free agency.

The Bears add a former top-10 pick at a position of need without committing long-term resources. If Wills stays healthy and regains his early-career form, Chicago could end up with a starting-caliber tackle at a bargain price.

And if he doesn’t, who cares. The Bears still have a chance to add a starting-caliber left tackle in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

For a Chicago Bears team trying to balance immediate contention with long-term roster building, that’s a solid outcome.