Chicago Bears Give Their Special Teams A Much-Needed Boost

The real action for the Chicago Bears roster won't begin for another few weeks as free agency draws closer. That hasn't stopped GM Ryan Poles from already making some tweaks. In his mind, the bottom of a depth chart can be just as important as the top. This is especially true when it comes to special teams. Players occupying those lower 51st, 52nd, and 53rd slots must be proficient in the third phase. That would explain the Bears' most recent addition. Reports say they've come to terms with veteran linebacker Joe Thomas. The 30-year old is a former undrafted free agent of the Green Bay Packers, serving with that team from 2014 to 2017 as a backup and special teamer. He then had his best run as a pro with the Dallas Cowboys from 2018 to 2020, racking up 16 special teams tackles. Last season he bounced between Houston and Baltimore but never seemed to find a comfortable role.

Thomas also brings experience on defense.

He's started 16 games in his career, playing in 89 and logging 218 tackles with an interception, 1.5 sacks, and 10 passes defended. His work in Dallas as an outside linebacker is likely what drew interest from the Chicago Bears coaching staff. They have virtually no options for that position as they switch to a 4-3 alignment. He should at least give them some depth as they work to reshape the position. Thomas is the first step in that direction but won't be the last. More additions are coming. It will be interesting to see how many resources Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus pour into it. The offense needs a ton of attention, as does the secondary. Justifying a significant investment at linebacker right now could prove difficult. Then again, the Bears need good players everywhere. So it might not matter where they start. Here is hoping Thomas can provide a little extra stability.