Jedrick Wills has nobody thinking about his potential to take over the Chicago Bears' starting left tackle spot. That's not why he's here.
When the Bears signed Wills, most agreed the move was more of a dart throw than anything else. For a spot that would have been manned by Ozzy Trapilo, had he not suffered an injury, the Bears could use all the depth and competition they can get.
Wills comes to the Bears after the Cleveland Browns essentially told him they were done with him; his career was all but over. As the No. 10 overall pick back in 2020, Wills had all the potential in the world.
Now? He's faced hardship after hardship and is simply looking to try and get back on the football field.
I sat down with FanSided's Browns expert, Ryan O'Leary, to get his assessment of Wills and his thoughts on the former Cleveland veteran as he heads into training camp with the Bears. And, let's just say, I think we're all about to hop on board with one of those warm-hearted comeback stories that everybody can root for.
"This summer should be all about baby steps, really. If Wills can hold up throughout camp, prove his body can handle a full NFL season for the first time since 2022, and perform well in preseason games, he could absolutely be a serviceable swing tackle or depth lineman. He’s only 27 and has a real shot to resurrect his NFL career this summer. The deck is certainly stacked against him, but I certainly wouldn’t rule him out until the pads come on."
That's a loaded bit of analysis, right there, for sure. O'Leary definitely errs on the positive side of things, and to be honest, how could you not in reference to a guy that's been through so much?
Jedrick Wills has the deck stacked against him (but Bears fans can get behind a comeback story)
It sounds so simple. All Wills has to do is hold up for an entire season for the first time in four years.
Ugh ... it's been quite a while for the former Alabama standout, that's for sure.
But, you know what? We're going to side with O'Leary here, for the sake of a good old-fashioned comeback story.
From 2020-2022, Wills played 15, 13, and 17 games, respectively. He's shown the ability to stay on the field in the past. Let's say that sitting out all of 2025 was the right move and put him back on track, health-wise.
I'm not saying Wills is going to return to being the first-round type of guy he once was. No, his best days are very likely behind him. But there is certainly a world where Wills stays healthy, has a solid camp, and proves he can be trusted as a reserve.
If that isn't one massive comeback story fulfilled, I don't know what is.
We'd be looking at a player who had issues from foot to femur over the last few years. He has dealt with ankle, shin, knee, and hip issues. Not to mention, there's that critical surgery to realign his femur with his hip.
If you're talking about anyone in this circumstance, as an NFL player, most would venture to guess that this guy's career is over.
But not Wills -- that's the camp I'm in.
Remember back when Zach Miller tore up his knee and nearly lost his leg? Of course we remember. Bears fans rallied behind Miller in a way that went far beyond sports. Just seeing his story and knowing how many odds he defied to walk and run again would warm even the coldest of hearts.
In that same spirit, Wills' comeback story really takes off here in Bears training camp.
Bears fans, won't you join me in rooting for a guy who has been all but completely counted out at this stage in his career?
This is one time where we're going to throw logic and likelihood out the window. Everyone wants to watch Caleb Williams, Luther Burden III, and company, and rightfully so. Training camp is going to be a blast for those bigger names.
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But, let's get behind Wills and hope for an amazing and truly unbelievable turnaround.
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