The Chicago Bears are entering a new era with Ben Johnson calling the shots on the sidelines, and with that has come a much-needed breath of fresh air around the franchise.
There appears to be a clear understanding between Johnson and Bears GM Ryan Poles regarding how the two want to build this roster and what the first-year head coach needs to be successful in Chicago. This is exactly what the franchise needed, as you have to go back to the 2018 season to find the last time the Bears had a winning record.
With the focus in the Windy City deadset on the 2025 regular season and beyond, there isn't much time for fans to dwell on what previous coaching staffs decided to do when it came to roster building and how to handle the draft. That is what we are here for.
Having said that, news came across the wire on Monday afternoon concerning a recent Bears draft pick who signed on with a new team. According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com, veteran cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. has agreed to a deal with the Super Bowl-favorite Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens signed CB Thomas Graham Jr.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 18, 2025
A 6th-round pick of the Bears in 2021, Graham has spent time with Browns and Steelers.
He’s has played in 12 games (one start). pic.twitter.com/rszoODD05o
Former Bears Draft Pick Thomas Graham Jr. Pick Signs on With Ravens
The former Oregon Ducks standout showed promise as a rookie after being selected by Chicago with the No. 228 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Over the four games he appeared in for the Bears, one of those coming as a member of the starting lineup, Graham Jr. had 13 total tackles, four pass deflections, and one tackle for loss.
That was the only season in which Graham Jr. called the Windy City home. The following year, the Cleveland Browns signed him off of Chicago's practice squad. He ultimately appeared in seven games for the Browns, recording six total tackles, before being waived and placed on the injured reserve.
Now, Graham Jr. joins the preseason favorite to win the Super Bowl, the Baltimore Ravens, with just over one week remaining before final cuts are made. If we're being honest, that doesn't set the former Bears defender up for much success.
Given that Baltimore will likely hold out as many players as they can in their preseason finale who are expected to make the final 53-man roster, there is a better than good chance that the former Oregon standout will only last a handful of days with the Ravens.