The Chicago Bears are once again rebuilding their roster after another losing season. Except this time the focus has been on the offensive line, with the team trading for guards, Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and adding center, Drew Dalman, in free agency.
However, the team has still made some sparing moves at the offensive skill positions, adding former Atlanta Falcon, Olamide Zaccheaus and now, per reports, former Jacksonville Jaguar and Baltimore Raven, Devin Duvernay.
Sources: The #Bears are in agreement on a 1-year deal with WR and 2x Pro Bowl returner Devin Duvernay.
Another key addition in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/Gwprw28KuX
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 19, 2025
Duvernay, a former All-Pro punt returner for the Ravens, is set to become a Bear for this upcoming season.
What Does Devin Duvernay Bring To The Bears?
Originally drafted in the third round out of Texas, Duvernay never managed to secure a major role on offense. However, he has become a major player on special teams as a return specialist.
With former returner, DeAndre Carter, now a free agent aged 31, the team was known to be in the market to secure a high-end returner.
After losing out to arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers, for securing the services of former Kansas City Chief, Mecole Hardman, the Bears had to turn to alternative options.
Duvernay is certainly a good fall-back option, ranking 19th in the NFL with 167 punt return yards, and 22nd in the league with 351 yards returning kick offs.
How Will Duvernay Impact The Bears’ Offense?
It’s impossible to say for sure, but there is a chance that Duvernay could be a factor in new head coach, Ben Johnson’s offense, beyond his implicit role on special teams.
With Keenan Allen a free agent, the team has an open starting spot on the depth chart behind DJ Moore and last year’s first round pick, Rome Odunze.
At current moment it seems as if Zaccheaus and Duvernay will scrap it out for the WR3 position. Although this could be more of a symbolic trophy more than one majorly affecting individual snap counts, as Ben Johnson has famously been keen on deploying 2-tight end sets, which he did with the Detroit Lions nearly 1/3 of the time.
Zaccheaus And Duvernay Battling It Out For A Starting Role In Chicago
Zaccheaus has been the more proficient receiver over the past few years, compiling 3 x 400 yard+ receiving seasons over the past four seasons; something that Duvernay has only done once.
Moreover, Zaccheaus has proven himself in recent seasons to be a reliable #3 wideout who can operate in numerous offenses – from the Falcons to the Eagles to, most recently, the Washington Commanders.
Although Duvernay has not managed any significant offensive production over the past two seasons, he does have one thing in his arsenal that could tip the scales – blistering speed – one of the traits that makes him such a deadly returner.
Duvernay ran a sub 4.4 40 yard dash prior to the draft in 2020, and has a deep speed that no one currently in the Bears’ receiver room quite matches up to.
Perhaps with the right coaching and scheme implementation, we could see Duvernay launch a comeback year in Chicago.
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Bears Add Electric All-Pro As Ben Johnson’s New Team Begins To Take Form