Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles drew attention with assistant GM Jeff King, as both attended the Arizona State Sun Devils’ pro day on Friday. There, Bears brass showed an interest in Xavion Alford.
The Bears allowed starting safeties Jaquan Brisker (Pittsburgh Steelers) and Kevin Byard (New England Patriots) to walk in free agency. They signed Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis in free agency.
Still, Butler could be a long-term part of the plan to replace them.
Sun Devils’ Xavion Alford Reveals Bears Interest
Bears Show Interest in ASU DB Xavion Alford
“Arizona State S Xavion Alford spoke with the #Giants, #Cardinals, #Lions, #Bears, #49ers, #Broncos and more at his Pro Day,” Packers Reports’ Easton Butler reported in a post on X on March 28.
Alford drew attention with his 40-yard dash and standing vertical attempts, and his positional drill work.
Alford battled injuries throughout his collegiate career, which included stints at Texas and USC, suppressing his draft stock despite his impressive athletic traits.
“Alford played the first two games of the season before succumbing to a back injury, which required surgery in November. He was originally injured before the season even started. He tried playing through that and started the first two games of the season before bowing out,” Arizona Republic’s Michelle Gardner wrote in December 2025.
“Alford was at Texas for one year and then attended USC for two, although he was out for one of those years due to an injury. He came to ASU in 2023, but the NCAA ruled him ineligible as a two-time transfer. Because of the two years he sat out, he’s older than most college football players, a likely reason he chose to pursue the draft rather than return and try to improve his stock. He turns 24 on Dec. 20.
Alford was First Team All-Big 12 in 2024 and among ASU’s “most prominent leaders.”
Even if Alford never develops into a starter, his athleticism and leadership qualities would play well as a special teams contributor.