The Chicago Bears have addressed so many of their needs in free agency – with the 2025 NFL Draft providing another opportunity – that they have moved on to special teams.
With their trenches addressed if not fixed, the Bears signed two-time Pro Bowl returner Devin Duvernay.
Bears Sign Pro Bowl RS Devin Duvernay in Free Agency
Devin Duvernay Signs With Bears in Free Agency
“The Chicago Bears on Wednesday signed veteran wide receiver Devin Duvernay to a one-year contract,” the team announced via its website on March 19.
“In the return phase, Duvernay owns a career punt return average of 12.0, as well as a kickoff return average of 24.9. Duvernay earned AP First-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 after finishing the season as the NFL’s only returner to rank in the Top 10 in both punt return average (13.8, first) and kickoff return average (24.1, seventh).”
Duvernay was originally a third-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020.
He spent the first four years of his career in Baltimore, signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency during the 2024 offseason.
Devin Duvernay Signing Unlikely to Shake Up WR Room
Perhaps the Bears see something in Duvernay that neither of his previous teams have, but the 27-year-old – who turns 28 in September – wideout has caught 15 passes for 97 yards over the past two seasons as he has settled into his special teams role.
He has not seen 200 snaps on offense since the 2022 season, per Pro Football Reference, further underscoring his likely role in Chicago.
The Bears have struggled in the return game for years.
They have sorted through various options including DeAndre Carter, Trent Taylor, Tyler Scott, and former third-round pick Velus Jones Jr. The Bears still have previous options Josh Blackwell and Travis Homer, both of whom re-signed in free agency this offseason.
Duvernay may not make much impact directly on the receiver room. But his presence could put pressure on players further down the totem pole who may not offer the same versatility.
Despite his lack of recent usage, Duvernay owns a career 105-977-5 line as a receiver.