Bears Re-Sign Key Player Before Free Agency Kicks Off

Aug 26, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles looks on before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
Aug 26, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles looks on before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images | Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears have already had a fast start to the offseason. Coming off a year where Caleb Williams was sacked an NFL-high 68 times, the Bears acted quickly, trading for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney to fix their offensive line. They also have $50.3 million in cap space remaining that could be used elsewhere on the offensive line or add pieces on the defensive side of the ball.

But with all the activity, the Bears still need to keep some of their own key players. One of them agreed to return on Thursday afternoon and crossed another item off Ryan Pace’s offseason to-do list.

Bears Re-Sign Key Special Teams Contributor Josh Blackwell

According to The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov, the Bears have agreed to a two-year, $6 million contract with key special teams contributor Josh Blackwell. An unrestricted free agent that joined Chicago in 2022, Blackwell was set to become a restricted free agent before the Bears signed him to a multi-year deal to return.

Blackwell arrived in Chicago on a waiver claim from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 and has become a key member of the Bears’ special teams. His biggest moments came after stepping up at punt returner following DeAndre Carter’s season-ending injury and ripping off a 94-yard punt return touchdown in a Week 18 win over the Green Bay Packers.

The 25-year-old also served as a depth piece in the secondary. In 43 games, Blackwell has collected 44 tackles with an interception, two pass breakups and a pair of forced fumbles with a fumble recovery. With Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson returning in the starting roles, Blackwell’s signing adds another piece to the puzzle and allows Chicago to fill some of their other needs when free agency opens next week.

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