The Chicago Bears have signed former Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported.
“The Bears are signing DT Neville Gallimore to a two-year, $12 million deal, sources tell The Insiders. Deal negotiated by @LIFTSPORTSMNGMT”
Gallimore, 29, appeared in all 17 games for the Colts last season, racking up 38 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. The 6’2″, 307-pound DT was drafted in the third round in 2020 by the Dallas Cowboys and has six years of NFL experience.
Gallimore posted on X after news broke of the signing, writing, “Bears Nation let’s do it!!!! Thank you for the opportunity. Let’s work! #BearDown 
”
Deal negotiated by @LIFTSPORTSMNGMT
Bears Sign Neville Gallimore
Zach Hicks, who covers the Colts on Sports Illustrated, wrote a piece back in January on how Gallimore impacted the Colts’ defense during the 2025 season:
“My nickname for Gallimore on film was the ‘Energizer Bunny,'” Hicks wrote. “He may not be the biggest or the most powerful defensive tackle in the league, but he plays with his hair on fire on every snap. The second that he sees a quarterback break the pocket and attempt to scramble, he would come flying down the line with linebacker speed to make a play. His ability to chase down quarterbacks was equal parts amazing and terrifying this past season.
His run defense may be a weaker part of his game, but I didn’t see anything that concerning on film with him in that department. He performed better against zone runs than against power runs, and the Colts’ Grizzly fronts allowed him to be protected from typical nose tackle duties inside. He made a few great stops in the run game, most notably a play against the Seattle Seahawks on a toss play back in week 15.
Overall, I’d say that Gallimore had a really solid season for the Colts, and I’d be all for the team bringing him back. He brought energy and juice off the bench, and he made a few plays when the team needed him to make. For a player who was in here on a near veteran minimum contract, he gave the Colts immense surplus value and helped the run defense stay alive during the weeks where Buckner was out.”
Now, Gallimore finds a new home in Chicago.
Initial Thoughts on Gallimore Signing
This is a depth move on the defensive line. With Andrew Billings hitting free agency, this move likely signals the end of his time with the Bears.
Signing Gallimore isn’t a major acquisition, but it’s one the Bears need to make given the lack of impact from the defensive tackle room last season.
It feels like Chicago is prepared to draft a defensive tackle in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune pinned Clemson DT Peter Woods as a name to watch:
“There’s a serious need at both positions (defensive end & defensive tackle), but if you’re ordering one over the other, tackle has to be on top. Considering it’s a deep draft for edge rushers — and not as deep at tackle — this is a good place to start when wondering about the No. 25 pick. Some college evaluators I spoke with believe there could be a good clump of defensive linemen on the board when the Bears’ pick comes around. The best fit for Dennis Allen might be Clemson’s Peter Woods. Allen wants a disruptive guy in the middle.”
Chicago signing Gallimore isn’t expected to be the only move the Bears make at defensive tackle this offseason.
Bears News: Chicago Signs 6’2″, 307-lb Defensive Tackle to $12M Deal