Bears make fascinating addition of ex-Browns OT after one year away from NFL

Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. heads back to the huddle after a play against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Lange/Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have a major issue at left tackle this upcoming season. Normally, they should be in great shape. But, with Ozzy Trapilo dealing with a serious injury, one that could keep him out for most, if not all, of the year, the Bears need a new tackle.

They addressed this need partially by bringing back Braxton Jones, but they could still use some more competition for the left tackle job in 2026. And that's where this very interesting addition comes in.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bears are in agreement on a one-year deal with Jedrick Wills Jr. He retired for one year, not playing at all in 2025 as he recovered from an injury. But now, he's back, and joining the Bears on a one-year deal.

Bears to sign Jedrick Wills after one-year retirement

"Former Browns first-round pick, OT Jedrick Wills Jr., is signing a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears, per source," Schefter reports.

There are plenty of interesting offensive tackle options the Bears could've pursued this offseason. Trent Williams, in a blockbuster trade with the San Francisco 49ers, is one such option.

But, Wills might be the most fascinating option they could've gone with. Wills didn't play at all in 2025. But the former 10th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has proven to be a solid tackle in his career.

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For the Cleveland Browns, Wills made 57 starts over five years, including just four starts in five games in 2024 before missing all of 2025 as he recovered from a knee injury.

The Bears have a hole at left tackle, and while Wills might not be the answer, he's a good dart-throw for the Bears to take that could turn out to be an incredible addition.

This is a very fascinating reclamation project for the Bears to take on as they try to fill the left tackle hole with Trapilo's torn patellar tendon injury.

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