Chicago Bears Re-Sign Cornerback Jaylon Jones to One-Year Deal The Chicago Bears finalized a one-year contract with cornerback Jaylon Jones on Wednesday, securing his return to the team after he was released during final roster cuts. The move comes as the Bears wrapped up their free agency period, with most of their defensive backs departing for new teams. Jones, who joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2022, will now compete for a role in the secondary after spending the past two seasons on and off the roster. Jones initially signed with the Bears in 2022 as a special teams player and backup cornerback. During his rookie season, he earned a starting role in four games and became a key contributor on special teams. He remained with the team through the 2024 season but was released ahead of the 2025 season after joining the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent. The Bears claimed him off waivers during final cuts and added him to their active roster. In his second season with the Bears, Jones appeared in 15 games, recording 16 tackles and one forced fumble. He made one start against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, showcasing his ability to contribute on defense. The Bears’ decision to re-sign him highlights their focus on retaining depth at the cornerback position, as several other free agent defenders left for new opportunities. The re-signing follows the departures of key defensive backs such as Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, CJ Gardner-Johnson, and Jonathan Owens, who all signed with other teams earlier in the week. Jones and Elijah Hicks are the only defensive backs from the Bears’ 2025 roster who remained with the club. The Bears’ secondary will now rely on a mix of returning players and younger talent to fill the void left by the departing free agents.#chicago_bears #arizona_cardinals #kevin_byard #jaquan_brisker #jaylon_jones
Chicago Bears Lose Another Safety to Free Agency Former Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens has signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move marks another loss for the Bears' safety room, which will undergo significant changes for the 2026 season after losing three of its top four safeties, including starters Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Despite the departures, the team has secured a top free-agent safety in Coby Bryant from the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears' decision to part ways with Byard and Brisker, along with other safeties, has left their secondary in a state of transition. Bryant's arrival is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team's defensive capabilities. However, the loss of Owens, who was a key player in the team's recent seasons, adds to the uncertainty surrounding the safety position. The team's ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Bears' management has expressed confidence in their ability to rebuild the safety room, emphasizing the importance of finding players who can contribute immediately. With the 2026 season approaching, the focus will be on integrating new talent and ensuring the defense remains competitive. The team's strategy will be closely watched as they navigate this period of transition.#chicago_bears #indianapolis_colts #jonathan_owens #kevin_byard #jaquan_brisker
