The Chicago Bears made some bold moves on defense during the offseason, but not every signing got the attention it deserved.
Signings like safety Coby Bryant and linebacker Devin Bush were the ones Chicago leaned on to make the defense younger and faster. Bryant's training-camp injury set the defense back, so they need someone else to step up.
One offseason move that no one talked about could end up being the one that Bears fans will use more often than expected. Whether on special teams or on defense, defensive back Cam Lewis could end up being a jack of all trades for the Bears.
Cam Lewis could help the Bears during Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers
Lewis signed a one-year deal as a replacement for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who left the team during the offseason. The Bears were looking for Lewis to be a combo safety and cornerback on the defense.
He was a good role player for the Buffalo Bills, starting 14 of 76 career games. Lewis has made 10 of those starts in the last two years.
In 2025, he received a Pro Football Focus grade of 57.5, ranking 77th out of 98 safeties. Lewis also had a coverage grade of 54.5 and a run-defense grade of 66.0.
The Bears signed Xavier Woods during training camp after Bryant got injured. Lewis and Woods have been competing for one of the starting safety jobs. Rookie first-round pick Dillon Thieneman was the other starter.
No matter what decision the Bears make, Lewis is going to make some impact. He can help on special teams in kickoff coverage and could be in the secondary rotation.
Chicago's defense needs a boost after ranking among the worst in the NFL against the pass last year. Bryant and Kyler Gordon's injuries don't help what the team needs.
Lewis will be a key player for the Bears in 2026, with his versatility on full display. He has the potential to make a bigger impact than many expect.
Read more: 5 Bears players who are about to play in their final season opener with them
It has been an interesting offseason and training camp for the Bears, but with the Panthers first on the schedule, it will be Lewis' first chance to prove his worth to the franchise. For 60 minutes, he might surprise many Bears fans with what he can do for the team this season.
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