Why the Bears cut Jedrick Wills Jr. before Week 1

The Chicago Bears are releasing offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., a former first-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The decision comes as Chicago finalizes its 53-man roster ahead of the NFL’s leaguewide cutdown deadline. Wills had been signed earlier in the offseason to compete for starting left tackle, after four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. His chances were further complicated by injuries, including a setback that kept him out for the entire 2025 season. Entering camp, he competed with Braxton Jones, Kiran Amegadjie and Theo Benedet. With starter Ozzy Trapilo injured in last year’s postseason, Wills ultimately struggled to regain his prior level and did not appear in Saturday’s preseason finale vs. the Tennessee Titans.