The Bears announced Tuesday they re-signed offensive lineman Doug Kramer Jr. to a one-year contract.
Kramer, a Hinsdale Central High School graduate whom the Bears drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 draft, stays in Chicago after appearing in 16 games last season. As a backup lineman, Kramer played 84 offensive snaps in 10 games. Kramer came in as a backup at left guard and center.
He returns after former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s and former head coach Matt Eberflus' use of him at fullback caused some issues.
The first came in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders when quarterback Caleb Williams handed off the ball to Kramer near the goal line and the two fumbled the exchange. The Bears lost the game on a last-second Hail Mary pass.
The second instance was in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings. Kramer failed to report as eligible on a play where running back D’Andre Swift scored a touchdown. The penalty nullified the touchdown and the Bears settled for a field goal after failing to reach the end zone.
Kramer missed his rookie season with a foot injury in 2022 and started 2023 on injured reserve with another injury. Kramer made his debut in Week 7 of that year.
The Bears waived him in November 2023 and the Arizona Cardinals claimed him a few days later before releasing him later that month. The Bears signed Kramer to the practice squad and then signed him to a reserve/future contract in January 2024.
Kramer will likely stay in a backup role this season after a few offseason additions. Bears general manager Ryan Poles traded for offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and also signed center Drew Dalman.