These moves likely are meant merely to have enough players at certain positions for practice, but the Bears signed linebacker Barrington Wade and tight end Lachlan Pitts on Tuesday. Both players are expected to practice immediately.
Wade played at Niles North High School before going to Iowa and went undrafted in 2021. The Ravens had him in training camp that year, and he later played four games as a special teamer for the Broncos. He was with the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers for a month this offseason as well.
He should get a decent opportunity in practice this week, and perhaps Saturday against the Titans in the preseason opener, as the Bears manage what they’ve said are day-to-day injuries to linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and Jack Sanborn.
Pitts is an undrafted free agent from William & Mary. He caught 28 passes for 543 yards and five touchdowns as a senior.
The Bears waived tight end Jake Tonges with an injury designation and waived kicker Andre Szmyt. Both players were long shots to make the roster, especially Szmyt going up against Cairo Santos.
