Jedrick Wills, the offensive tackle who was a former 10th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is officially getting released by the Chicago Bears. This isn’t just some routine roster move; it’s a massive statement about a guy who was supposed to be a cornerstone and now finds himself looking for a job as the regular season looms.
The Brutal Reality of a Fresh Start Gone Wrong
Let’s rewind a bit. Wills started his career with the Browns, where he was drafted with sky-high expectations as a first-rounder. After a few years, he made a big call, deciding to sit out the entire 2025 season. The goal? To get healthy, to reset, to come back stronger than ever and truly resume his career. That’s a huge gamble, right? You miss a whole year of game reps hoping to fix things. He eventually picked the Bears, obviously seeing an opportunity, a chance for that fresh start he was after. He chose them. Now, after all that effort, all that time off the field, the Bears are cutting him. They’re not “selecting him for a spot on the 53-man roster,” according to Adam Schefter. That’s a gut punch for any player, but especially for a former top-10 pick who literally took a year off to prepare for this moment. It really makes you wonder what went down behind closed doors.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Experience is On the Market
Wills isn’t just some greenhorn. This guy has put in the work, racking up 58 regular-season appearances and starting in 57 of those games. That’s legitimate NFL experience, not practice squad fodder. He’s seen the field, he’s played at this level. Because he’s a vested veteran, once his release is official, he won’t be hitting the waiver wire. He immediately becomes a free agent. This means any team out there can scoop him up without having to worry about waiver priority. It’s a fascinating situation. A player with his pedigree and experience suddenly available right before the season kicks off? This begs the question: what did the Bears see, or not see, after his year-long health break that led them to this decision? Was the health not quite there? Did his performance just not measure up to the high standards of a former top pick?
Who’s Next for Jedrick Wills?
Remember, the Bears weren’t the only team interested in Wills before he landed in Chicago. The Patriots and the Lions both hosted him, kicking the tires on what he could bring. Are those teams still looking for offensive line help? You bet they are. This is crunch time, folks. We’re talking late August, just days before the regular season gets underway. Teams are finalizing their rosters, making those last-minute adjustments. For Wills, it’s about finding a new home, and finding it fast. Will a team take a flyer on his upside, banking on that top-tier talent from his draft day? Or will his recent history and the Bears’ decision make him a harder sell? The clock is absolutely ticking for Jedrick Wills. Keep an eye on the wire, because some NFL squad is about to get a chance at a guy who, not too long ago, was considered a can’t-miss prospect. This story isn’t over yet.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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