The Chicago Bears have continued to strengthen their roster by signing former Detroit Lions wide receiver and return specialist Maurice Alexander Jr. to a reserve/futures contract. Alexander, 28, spent the last three seasons with the Lions, mostly on their practice squad. He has made limited appearances in the NFL, playing in seven games, with a single reception for 7 yards and a combined 188 yards on kick and punt returns. Although his stats are modest, he gained recognition for his kick return abilities in the USFL in 2022. Alexander was also an All-Conference player during his college career.
In other news, the Bears are reportedly eyeing former Lions offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler. Zeitler, who played one season with Detroit in 2024, is a seasoned veteran at 35 years old. Despite his age, he has proven to be a durable and reliable player, having missed only six starts in the last decade. The Bears could look to bring him on to bolster their offensive line, especially given Zeitler’s strong performance in 2024, where he started all 16 games for the Lions. However, the Bears are also interested in younger talent, such as Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith, who made his first Pro Bowl in 2024 and will play in his third consecutive Super Bowl. Smith is expected to be a highly sought-after free agent, with his value likely exceeding $20 million per year.
If the Bears manage to secure Smith, they may still pursue Zeitler, as the team faces the potential loss of key players, including Teven Jenkins, whose contract is expiring. With multiple draft picks and a pressing need for offensive line help, signing a veteran like Zeitler could offer stability while they build through the draft.
