The Bears are bringing some new bodies onboard as training camp kicks off.
Chicago announced the signings of defensive back Tre Flowers and defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon on July 22, the same day veterans are reporting to training camp.
In additional roster moves, the Bears activated both wide receiver Jahdae Walker and running back Ian Wheeler from the Non-Football Injury list. The team also waived DB Alex Cook and D-lineman Jereme Robinson to make room.
With both signings, Chicago continues to stockpile veterans who can contribute immediately while the younger core develops. Flowers and Kpassagnon may not be splashy names, but their experience and veteran savvy could make them solid additions. Let’s take a closer look at each player.
A Look at the NFL Career of New Chicago Bears DB Tre Flowers
GettyTre Flowers and Tanoh Kpassagnon have been signed by the Chicago Bears.
Flowers, a seven-year vet with 95 career games and 44 starts under his belt, should give the Bears a tad more flexibility in the secondary. Originally drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2018, he transitioned from safety to cornerback and started 30+ games over his first three seasons.
His most notable stretch came in Cincinnati in 2021 and 2022, where he carved out a role as a tight end specialist, helping neutralize some of the AFC’s premier pass-catching TEs. He spent the 2023 season with the Falcons, where he played all 17 games, contributing mostly on special teams.
Beyond his coverage chops, Flowers has a reputation as a physical, high-IQ defender with a special teams upside. His length and background as a safety make him a useful chess piece for a defense that may rely more heavily on zone disguises and hybrid looks under new DC Dennis Allen. While he’s not guaranteed a roster spot, his utility in multiple roles gives him a legitimate shot to stick.
It’ll be interesting to see if he does.
Some Background on New Bears DE Signing Tanoh Kpassagnon
Kpassagnon is an intriguing addition and more of a lock to make the team’s 53-man roster considering Chicago’s need for pass rushing depth. At 6-foot-7, 289 pounds, he’s a long-levered edge who spent the past four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, logging 9.5 sacks, 24 QB hits and 66 tackles in 43 games.
Before that, he won Super Bowl 54 with the Kansas City Chiefs. His postseason experience is attractive, and so is his ability to kick inside on passing downs while also lining up as a traditional edge. That versatility will give Allen some intriguing options up front. While he missed most of 2024 with an Achilles tear, his previous work in this system suggests he could have a fast ramp-up if healthy — and the Bears likely wouldn’t have added him if he wasn’t full-strength.
What Kpassagnon lacks in flash, he makes up for in reliability and scheme understanding. He’s may not be just a depth signing—he’s a potential rotational asset. If he returns to pre-injury form, he could slot in as a valuable third or fourth lineman in pass-rush packages and offer insurance behind starters Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo.
Bears Sign 2 Vets, Including Super Bowl Champion DE & Ex-Seahawks Starter