Bears sign former Packers draft pick to bolster struggling defensive line

Matt Sullivan

•
Bears sign former Packers draft pick to bolster struggling defensive line image

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen (L), general manager Ryan Poles (C) and head coach Ben Johnson (R) observe during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears are coming off a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, where Tyler Huntley and a struggling Ravens team beat the Bears 30-16.

In the aftermath of the game, the Bears were dealt some tough news, as rookie second-rounder Shemar Turner was ruled out for the year with a torn ACL. In need of defensive line help, the Bears turned to free agency.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Bears are signing a former Green Bay Packers defensive lineman to the practice squad to bolster a struggling and injured defensive line.

Bears sign former Packers 2020 draft pick

"The Bears are signing former Miami Hurricanes DE Jonathan Garvin to the practice squad, per LAA," Pelissero reports.

Garvin is a former Hurricanes defensive lineman who was selected by the Packers in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was a seventh-round draft pick, selected 242nd overall.

The 26-year-old lineman played three seasons in Green Bay, starting only one game across 38 games in his three seasons with the Bears' NFC North rival.

He recorded two passes defended, 1.5 sacks, 32 tackles, one tackle for loss, seven quarterback hits, and 11 pressures in his three seasons with the Packers.

More: How D'Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai helped re-establish Bears' run game

But his only NFL playing time came from 2020 through the 2022 seasons. Garvin hasn't played in the NFL in 2023 or in 2024.

However, the Bears' defensive line isn't just struggling; they just lost Turner for the year and could use some more depth. Garvin, while he hasn't played in the NFL in two years, is an experienced lineman who isn't that old and is worth giving a chance to.

Gervon Dexter Sr. And Grady Jarrett will continue to take starting reps, but Garvin will provide some added depth for the defense as the injuries begin to add up and the season wears on.

More Bears News:

News Correspondent