The Chicago Bears are entering an exciting time as they prepare for the first season under head coach Ben Johnson. After leading the Detroit Lions offense to become one of the best units in the NFL, many are looking forward to what the rookie head coach can do as he aims to help Chicago improve on its 5-12 record one year ago.
While many left minicamp with their minds set on next month’s training camp, another veteran who was on the outside decided his time with Chicago came to an end. That veteran made his split with the Bears official on social media Friday night and leaves a big hole in the Bears’ special teams unit.
Longtime Bears Long Snapper Patrick Scales Won’t Return for Training Camp
Bears long snapper Patrick Scales took to his Instagram on Friday night to say his goodbyes after eight years with the team. While Scales wasn’t under contract with the team, he still wanted to express his gratitude for his time with the Bears and announce that he was looking for a new opportunity in free agency.
“Words will never be able to describe our gratitude for the city of Chicago, the Chicago Bears organization, or the fans who have cheered us on and loved us through the years,” Scales wrote. “Cheers to the best friends who helped us get here, the family we made throughout the years, and the memories that we’ll cherish forever. Chicago, you were a dream come true and you’ll always feel like home.
“Our kids know no life without you, Chicago Bears, and raising them with you was the biggest honor of our life. Thank you to the McCaskey family, who truly feel like family to us. We cherish & love you forever. It is truly an honor to play for the NFL & we’re excited and hopeful for what’s next, but we’ll never forget the team who have us everything & got us here today. Bear Down, baby.”
Scales came to Chicago after spending his rookie season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016. He played in 120 career games with the Bears and served as their full-time long snapper in 2016 and from 2018 to 2023. His time with Bears was in jeopardy after suffering a back injury late in the preseason, however, and he missed the entire 2024 season.
The Bears pivoted by signing long snapper Scott Daly and re-signed the 31-year-old back in March, effectively closing the door for Scales to return. While Scales did not mention retirement, he’ll look for a new team as training camps begin across the NFL next month.