Bears release veteran tackle Jedrick Wills after comeback bid

The Chicago Bears have released offensive tackle Jedrick Wills, ending his bid to resume his NFL career with the organization. Wills entered the team’s offseason and roster competition after a self-directed pause meant to help him return to full strength, but the Bears ultimately determined they would not keep him on the active roster heading into the regular-season cutdown period.

Wills was originally drafted as a first-round pick by the Cleveland Browns, and his career path has included stretches affected by health and availability. According to the report, he sat out the 2025 season as part of an effort to get healthy before attempting to return to the league, and he later chose to continue his career with the Bears.

From the Bears’ perspective, the move reflects how quickly teams must translate offseason plans into roster decisions. Even when a veteran tackle presents enough experience to compete at multiple spots along the offensive line, the final roster often comes down to durability, practice availability, and fit within the team’s scheme on a tight timeline.

The released-status outcome also underscores a difficult reality for players trying to restart after a prolonged health-driven absence. A player can be competitive in stretches, but NFL rosters must be built around consistent execution over an entire week of practice, then withstand the physical demands of training camp and preseason games.

For Chicago, the decision leaves the tackle rotation to the players who earned their roles through the Bears’ evaluation process. With Wills out of the mix, the team will have to rely on its remaining offensive-line depth to handle the near-term concerns that come with opening camp, including protecting the quarterback and maintaining run-game stability.

Looking ahead, Wills’ next step will likely come from another team’s need at tackle, particularly one willing to provide an opportunity for a healthy veteran to compete. The timing is also notable because teams often continue to search for line depth through the season as new injuries and matchup needs emerge.

In the immediate aftermath, the Bears’ release will serve as a checkpoint for how their offensive-line plan is shaping up. If Chicago’s internal depth can cover the tackle positions without performance drop-offs, the team can focus resources elsewhere. If not, the organization may have to revisit the market for reinforcement.