Cam Lewis
Getty
Cam Lewis sent a message to his hometown Lions after signing with the Bears in free agency
The Chicago Bears, after enjoying a breakout season in 2025, have seen several big names depart in free agency to begin the offseason. Replacing these guys is going to be of the utmost importance, but the front office has been working hard on ensuring that the team will remain atop the NFC North division when it returns to action in 2026.
One player the Bears have brought to town recently is veteran cornerback Cam Lewis, who spent the first six seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills. In a surprising twist, Lewis actually grew up a fan of the Detroit Lions, having been born and raised in the city, but he made it clear that his feelings towards the team have changed since signing with Chicago.
Cam Lewis Throws Jab at Lions After Signing with Bears
Lewis didn’t get selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, but he quickly found a home with the Bills. After initially contributing as a special teams player, Lewis gradually earned a role in Buffalo’s secondary, as he’s started 10 games over the past two seasons, filling a variety of different positions along the way.
In 2025, Lewis suited up for every game with the Bills, racking up 43 tackles, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. However, his role diminished from the 2024 campaign, and it seemed like once he hit the open market, it was very likely that he would be signing with a new team in free agency.
That ended up being the case, as Lewis signed a two-year, $6 million contract with Chicago, as he will help fill in some of the departures the team has suffered on defense and special teams. Lewis will now have to face off against his hometown Lions twice a year with the Bears, but he made it clear that his loyalty resides in Chicago now.
“I’m originally from Detroit, so not too far away from home,” Lewis said at his initial press conference after signing with the Bears. “A lot of my family has been giving some hate for signing with the Bears, but I’m telling them we’re rivals now. This is our division to win.”
Cam Lewis Set to Immediately Fill Key Role on Bears’ Defense
Cam Lewis
GettyORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 12: Cam Lewis #39 of the Buffalo Bills warms up prior to playing the Denver Broncos during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at Highmark Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Lewis isn’t the flashiest signing of all time, but he figures to play a big role in the Bears’ new-look secondary. Standing at 5’9, Lewis is a bit undersized for a cornerback, and he is likely going to be best utilized in the slot. He can play on the outside, though, if needed, so that versatility will be put to use now that he’s in Chicago.
His family may be rooting against him whenever the Bears face off against the Lions, but Lewis appears to be happy to find himself on the other side of one of the more intense rivalries in the NFL. If Lewis can quickly find his footing with Chicago, he could end up being one of the biggest steals of the offseason across the league.