Chicago

Bears

Homer has contributed primarily on special teams for the last three seasons. The seven-year vet has just seven carries since 2023 and only one kick/punt return over that span. Its safe to say he’s far from a lock to make the 53-man roster.

Lynch spent that past two seasons in Tennessee after three years with the Vikings as a rotational defensive lineman and special teams player. Lynch, 27, played in all 17 regular season games for the Titans in 2024 and 2025. He’ll likely remain a special teams player in Chicago. Lynch is the third defensive tackle added to the Bears roster this offseason.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz was the first to report the deal. Duvernay is set to join his fourth team in four seasons. The former third-round has been used almost exclusively as a return specialist after seeing some work on offense during his tenure with the Ravens. Duvernay was a two-time Pro Bowler and was also named a First-team All-Pro in 2021 for his skills as a return man, and totaled 1,069 kick return yards while averaging 26.7 yards per return last season in Chicago. It’s unlikely he sees an expanded role next season in Arizona.

It’s a one-year deal. Jones, 28, logged a career-low 39 defensive snaps during the 2025 regular season and coincidentally earned a career-high 74.4 PFF coverage grade. He is unlikely to win a starting job this year, but he can serve as a decent backup. His performance on special teams can be volatile.

The Colts also signed Owens, formerly of the Bears, to a one-year contract. The Colts last S Nick Cross and backup S Rodney Thomas in free agency. Juanyeh Thomas, 25, played a career-high 294 defensive snaps last year and 110 special teams snaps. He earned a 69.0 PFF run-defense grade, an elite 90.6 PFF special teams grade and could compete for Cross’ vacated starting strong safety role. Owens, 30, played just 47 snaps on defense, but earned an 89.4 PFF special teams grade on 265 special teams snaps. At worst, the Colts added two difference makers to their special teams unit.

The hard-hitting safety will fit right in. Brisker’s 69 solo tackles ranked second among Bears defenders last year. He notched three TFLs, 10 quarterback pressures, one sack, four pass breakups and one interception as well. This will be Brisker’s first time playing for a team other than the Bears.

Gardner-Johnson can make up to $6 million this year. The 28-year-old safety allowed a career-high 71.4 percent catch rate playing for both the Texans and Bears last season. He also forced four incompletions, intercepted two passes, recorded 51 solo tackles and notched three TFLs. He may help fill former Bills CB Taron Johnson’s vacated slot cornerback role. The Bills traded Johnson to the Raiders on Sunday.

It’s a prove-it deal for Wills, who missed all of 2025 while recovering from knee issues that date all the way back to 2023. The Bears re-signed left tackle Braxton Jones this week, but Willis could at least give him a run for the starting job in camp. More likely is that Wills will serve as a swing tackle for Chicago this year.

Ravens OC Declan Doyle has brought over his own personal blocking tight end from Chicago. Smythe will replace Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in the offensive system. He played 293 snaps in 2025 and was targeted six times.

Williams posted a minor breakout season in 2024 with three sacks. His part-time role got even smaller in 2025 and he notched just one sack. He will be fighting for a roster spot in Atlanta this summer.