The Chicago Bears had all players report to the building for the start of training camp on Tuesday. The first practice will take place on July 23rd in a closed media session. Nonetheless, the Bears made two additions to the defensive side of the ball.
According to Tom Pelissero, Chicago is signing DL Tanoh Kpassagnon and DB Tre Flowers. The addition of Flowers makes sense with Jaylon Johnson expected to miss a couple of weeks after a lower leg injury.
Meanwhile, Chicago adding Kpassagnon gives them a defender with Super Bowl experience.
The #Bears making multiple veteran additions at the start of camp, signing DL Tanoh Kpassagnon and DB Tre Flowers.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 22, 2025
Bears Sign DL Tanoh Kpassagnon on Tuesday
This offseason, Chicago has prioritized adding more talent to the defensive line. They signed Dayo Odeyingbo (three years, $48 million), Grady Jarrett (three years, $43.5 million), before selecting Shemar Turner (2025 second-round pick). They are joining Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter Sr., as they hope this unit can take a step forward.
GM Ryan Poles has history with Kpassagnon, since he was the Director of college scouting with the Chiefs when the Pennsylvania native was drafted by KC.
Kpassagnon entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent the first four years of his career in KC before joining the New Orleans Saints over the last four years (2021-2024). The 31-year-old was able to secure Super Bowl LIV in KC and knows what it takes to get there.
In 104 career games (34 starts), he finished with 141 total tackles, 22 TFLs, 42 QB hits, 16.5 sacks, and nine pass deflections.
Last offseason, he tore his Achilles and only managed to play in three games for the Saints. He is hungry and looking to get back to his old self.
The Villanova product is behind the eight ball in terms of getting up to speed on the system and scheme, but it's nothing he can't catch up on. Chicago isn't looking for him to be a starter but solid depth instead. He will be battling the likes of Austin Booker, Xavier Carlton, Dominique Robinson, Daniel Hardy, and Jamree Kromah.
His NFL experience and championship pedigree may give him the edge, but his health will be the most important thing. If he looks like the player he was pre-Achilles tear, there's a good shot he can latch on to the team.
There will be several battles happening throughout camp, and Kpassagnon is the latest player to join the competition.