The Chicago Bears are bringing in defensive help ahead of training camp, but it’s not at the edge rusher position as many expected.
According to KPRC reporter and NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Bears are signing former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Buddy Johnson to a deal.
Johnson was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. He played in just four games his rookie season, primarily on special teams. He totaled just two tackles.
Johnson couldn’t climb the depth chart entering his second season in Steelers camp and was waived during roster cutdowns. He signed with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad prior to the 2022 season and now comes to the Bears in an attempt to restart his career.
#Bears signing former #Steelers fourth-round linebacker @AggieFootball Buddy Johnson #Texans #49ers , per a league source #BearDown @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 25, 2023
For weeks, a defensive signing was expected by the Bears, but many assumed it would be to address edge rusher, not inside linebacker. Johnson will compete with reserve players such as Sterling Weatherford, DeMarquis Gates, and Kuony Deng for a roster spot when training camp practices get underway this Wednesday.
