Bears Release Offensive Tackle Jedrick Wills, Keeping a Practice-Squad Door Open

The Chicago Bears have released offensive tackle Jedrick Wills, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, a transaction that makes the veteran’s next NFL stop an open question. Pro Football Rumors also reported that the Bears would like to retain Wills on their practice squad if he clears waivers, an outcome that would preserve their investment in his experience while adjusting the active roster picture.

Wills’ NFL profile is tied to his development as a high-level run and pass-blocking prospect from Alabama. At Alabama, he earned first-team All-SEC and second-team All-America honors, credentials that helped establish him as a team’s long-term offensive line piece rather than a short-term depth option.

In practice-squad terms, the Bears’ reported interest would fit a common roster strategy: use a veteran tackle to stay within the organization’s system, continue to refine technique, and provide injury insurance without occupying an active roster spot. If Chicago’s waiver plan does not keep him in-house, Wills would be free to sign elsewhere.

The release also underscores how quickly NFL line rotations can change once teams finalize depth charts. Even for players with track records at the college level, an NFL roster spot depends on day-to-day performance in training camp and preseason work, as well as fit in blocking schemes and personnel needs. Wills’ status creates a near-term ripple effect for both Chicago’s depth planning and the opportunities available to other teams seeking tackle help.

Because the current reporting describes a release rather than a trade, it also means Wills’ next contract path is likely to be determined by the waiver process. Teams interested in him would have to wait to see whether Chicago re-signs him to the practice squad or whether another organization claims him and carries him onto its active roster.

For the Bears, the decision has immediate roster-management implications. Offensive tackle depth is a premium category, and releasing a tackle changes the way the coaching staff has to evaluate remaining options. If Wills does not end up back with Chicago, the team will need to fill the gap through existing reserves, practice-squad promotions, or another acquisition.

What to watch next is whether the Bears’ reported practice-squad preference comes to fruition and whether another team takes the chance on Wills after the release. Either way, the move will offer a clear report about how Chicago views its tackle depth going forward and how aggressively it plans to stabilize the offensive line unit early in the season.