The Chicago Bears today announced that the club has signed offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. to a one-year deal.
Wills started 57-of-58 career games at left tackle over five seasons of action for the Cleveland Browns (2020-24). As a rookie in 2020, Wills earned PFWA All-Rookie Team acknowledgement after starting 15 games at left tackle, helping lead Cleveland to a postseason victory in the AFC Wild Card Round and ranking No. 3 in the NFL in rushing (148.4 yards per game). Wills was named NFL Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week in Week 10, becoming the first offensive lineman to receive the honor since 2013. In 2021, Wills blocked for a Browns offensive unit that shared the league-lead with an average of 5.09 rushing yards per attempt, before helping lead an offensive front that contributed to RB Nick Chubb rushing for a career-high 1,525 yards on the ground in 2022. In Wills' eight starts in 2023, the Browns secured five victories, en route to eventually securing a postseason berth.
A native of Lexington, Ky., Wills played three seasons at Alabama (2017-19), appearing in 39 career games for the Crimson Tide, starting 29 outings at right tackle, including 28-straight games to culminate his tenure in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Wills earned Second-Teal AP All-America status and First-Team All-Southeastern Conference recognition in 2019, as Alabama's offense ranked No. 2 nationally in scoring (47.2 points per game), third in passing offense (342.2 yards per game) and sixth in total offense (510.8 yards per game), one season after starting all 15 games at right tackle as a sophomore in 2018, helping the Crimson Tide secure an SEC Championship. Wills appeared in 11 games as a true freshman in 2017, as the Crimson Tide won the CFP National Championship.
Take a look at new Bears offensive lineman Jedrick Wills Jr. in action. (Photos via AP)
