The show goes on in the NFL, and the Chicago Bears are no exception. Just because there are no more games on their schedule doesn't mean they're off the clock; the front office's work has only begun.
Those on the outside looking in, us included, will never truly know what it takes to field a competitive club. Bears general manager Ryan Poles and his personnel staff have no choice but to act quickly or get lost in the dust. So, they got to work less than 48 hours after their heartbreaking Divisional Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime.
Wasting no time in the wake of their playoff exit at the hands of the Rams, the Bears signed 14 players to reserve/futures contracts.
Bears quickly sign 14 players to reserve/futures contracts after crushing playoff exit
Chicago announced the slew of transactions in an official team statement. Long snap Luke Elkin is the only one of the 14 names featured who didn't finish the 2025 campaign on the Bears' practice squad (PS). The complete list of additions is as follows:
- WR Maurice Alexander
- RB Brittain Brown
- TE Stephen Carlson
- LS Luke Elkin
- DB Dallis Flowers
- DL Jonathan Garvin
- LB Dominique Hampton
- OL Kyle Hergel
- TE Nikola Kalinic
- DB Dontae Manning
- DL Jeremiah Martin
- DB Gervarrius Owens
- WR JP Richardson
- LB Nephi Sewell
These aren't marquee moves by any stretch of the imagination, to put it mildly -- quite the opposite, actually. Nevertheless, the unsung heroes mentioned figure to be part of the Bears' initial 90-man roster for 2026. They will have chances to prove themselves in hopes of being part of the final group of 53.
Of those being brought in, linebacker Dominique Hampton stands out. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2024 draft by the Washington Commanders, who released him this past offseason. His upside was on display at the University of Washington, where he concluded a productive six-season collegiate career on a high note.
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Hampton was a safety during his time with the Huskies. Changing positions at the pro level highlights his athleticism and versatility. He led the Pac-12 (when it was 12 teams, not two) with 65 solo tackles while recording seven pass deflections and two interceptions in 2023.