Recent in-season signings have worked out pretty well so far for the Chicago Bears, so they decided to do it again with a player head coach Ben Johnson knows pretty well.
The Bears announced the signing of linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin to the practice squad. Reeves-Maybin and Johnson know each other from their time with the Detroit Lions the past two years.
Over his eight-year career, Reeves-Maybin has recorded 221 tackles, nine tackles for loss, eight pass deflections, five quarterback hits, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 1.5 sacks in 114 games. Reeves-Maybin was a Pro Bowl selection in 2023 for his play on special teams, but will he play the same role on the Bears, or is something bigger at hand?
What is going on with Bears for the move to be made?
The first thing that should signal that a problem might be at hand is at linebacker with T.J. Edwards. Throughout the season, Edwards has missed time, but his most recent hand injury required surgery and has kept him out. Does this mean the injury is worse off than some thought?
If any else, this would be a significant upgrade on special teams on kickoff and punt coverage, where there have been some inconsistencies. Last week, in the 19-17 win over the Minnesota Vikings, returner Myles Price made some significant returns for the Bears. Even in the win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Bears allowed an opening kickoff return for a touchdown.
With a lot of focus on the Bears' special teams needing some improvement, Reeves-Maybin would certainly add a spark there. He's also experienced as a starter on defense, having made 14 starts in his career with the Lions and Houston Texans.
Read more: Ben Johnson shouts out Bears defense with ultimate praise delivered to playmaker
This won't be a team-defining move for the Bears, but it will add more questions than answers about what's to come for the team.