Shane Waldron Has Ties To UFL Star Who Can Help The Bears

Just because the primary portion of the off-season is over doesn't mean the Chicago Bears are done acquiring players. They proved that last year when they signed Yannick Ngakoue right before training camp. GM Ryan Poles is always looking for ways to help his team. No avenue is off-limits. That includes other leagues. He's dabbled into the Canadian market a couple of times since taking over. He has also looked into the upstart spring leagues for help. Two years ago, the Bears signed linebacker DeMarquis Gates fresh off a stellar year with the Birmingham Stallions. Now, another name is making noise in the rebranded United Football League, and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has inroads to him.

Chris Garrett isn't well-known among casual NFL fans. That isn't a surprise. He went to Concordia-St. Paul in college and was a 7th round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Garrett bounced around the league for two more years, including two training camps with the Seattle Seahawks, where Waldron coached. Then he headed off to the USFL, eventually landing with the St. Louis Battlehawks. He has earned recognition as the UFL's Special Teams Player of the Year, collecting 14 tackles and two blocked punts.

Shane Waldron can help the Bears lure Garrett to Chicago.

This organization prioritizes special teams. With the NFL changing its kickoff rules to encourage more returns, adding a player with proven coverage ability should be a focal point. The fact he is also a linebacker will appeal to head coach Matt Eberflus. He's a good athlete with great size for the position and has some pass rush chops. He collected 36.5 sacks in college. That would give the Bears plenty of options to use him beyond the benefits he'd bring to the special teams unit.

Besides, it's not like he would cost a lot to acquire. A minimum NFL contract is significantly larger than what he is making in the UFL. That league is meant to help players keep playing while they await another opportunity to join the big league. Garrett has enough talent to deserve another chance. It just took a long time for him to find his calling. Special teams weren't even a consideration for him until he turned pro. The time spent in the new league seems to have unlocked his potential. Now Shane Waldron and the Bears can take advantage.