Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears are getting closer to returning to the field in some capacity, with their rookie minicamp coming next week. That means an influx of fresh faces, which, as of Wednesday, is expected to include another new quarterback and the son of a legendary Pro Bowler.
There was also another update on the Bears’ ongoing search for a new stadium.
Meanwhile, former Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham made another move that underscores who is running the show for the Atlanta Falcons.
Bears’ Rookie Minicamp Roster Update Leads News Roundup
Bears Invite 2,000-Yard QB, David Akers’ Son to Rookie Minicamp
The Bears saw rumors of three more rookie minicamp invites going out, including former Western Kentucky quarterback Maverick McIvor, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, and Northwestern kicker Luke Akers, the son of former six-time Pro Bowler and two-time First Team All-Pro David Akers.
McIvor is one of at least two QBs the Bears will have in their upcoming rookie minicamp, joining undrafted free agent signing Miller Moss, Caleb Williams’ former backup at USC.
He had 2,062 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions on 67% completion last season.
Akers is one of two Northwestern players who had invites to the Bears announced on the day. He is joined by defensive lineman Najee Story, and they join center Mac Uihlein. The group that also includes former in-state rival and ex-Illinois center, Josh Kreutz.
Kreutz is the son of Bears legend Olin Kreutz. He, too, is one of several hopefuls looking to secure a spot on a roster for OTAs, training camp, etc.
Bears’ Stadium Situation Has NFL’s Attention
The Bears participated in another meeting about their stadium. This time, it was with the league, which expressed commissioner Roger Goodell’s stance of wrapping the situation up.
“Chicago Bears brass met virtually today with the NFL’s Stadium Committee to discuss the team’s two proposed stadium sites. The Bears presented an update on the Arlington Heights, Ill. and Hammond, Ind. sites,” ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported on X.
“Per source, the committee members agreed that these 2 sites are the only viable options and expressed a need to move the process forward ‘expeditiously.’ There was no vote taken but the Stadium Committee will meet again within 2 weeks. Source says that the committee also acknowledged the Illinois legislature needs to continue to work to move the process forward, which will now require the PILOT bill to move through the senate.”
Fox 32’s Bret Buganski added further details from Illinois state representative Kam Buckner.
“Told me there will be more work on the bill for the senate,” Buganski reported on X. “Said he hopes the NFL will offer Bears more $$ for the low interest loan for construction.”
Bears Losing Scout to Former AGM
“The #Falcons are expected to hire #Bears scout Keith Earle as an area scout, a source tells @CBSSports,” CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on X on April 29. “Worked with new Atlanta GM Ian Cunningham in both Philadelphia and Chicago. Now expected to join Cunningham’s staff in Atlanta. Had worked for the Bears since 2022.”
An official announcement appears to be a formality.
The Falcons recently parted ways with several scouts, while activity around Earle hinted he could be moving on to Atlanta.
“After almost four years w/the #Bears, Keith Earle, who covered the Midlands the last two seasons, has disappeared from the team’s website,” Inside The League’s Neil Stratton reported on X on April 28, pointing to the exodus from Cunninham’s staff in Atlanta.
It is not uncommon for scouts to move on from one team to another.
Stratton noted as much regarding the Falcons’ other moves. Still, it is another move highlighting Cunningham as the decision-maker in Atlanta, despite the NFL’s assertion.
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