The Bears claimed two players off waivers Wednesday, turning to their past for one and the defensive coordinator’s past for another.
Cornerback Jaylon Jones, who speared in 41 games for the Bears the last three years before signing with the Cardinals in March, is rejoining the team. His special teams prowess — he played on three-quarters of their kicks in 2023 and two-thirds last year — will help to make up for the loss of another special teams maven. Running back Travis Homer will start the season on injured reserve and miss at least the first four games.
The Bears also claimed linebacker D’Marco Jackson off waivers. He spent 2023 and most of 2024 playing for Saints head coach Dennis Allen, who is now the Bears’ defensive coordinator. Jackson can play special teams, too — he appeared in 83% of their special teams plays in 2023 and 69% of them last year.
The Bears need to cut two players to make room on the 53-man roster for them. After the waiver wire ran at 11 a.m. Wednesday, teams began assembling their practice squads.