Chicago Bears Just Gave Their Special Teams A Big Jolt

For all the talk about upgrading at quarterback, wide receiver, and pass rusher over the past few months, it’s been easy to overlook how committed the Chicago Bears have been to improving their special teams. It started with punter Tory Taylor in the 4th round of the draft. He’s already shown glimpses of the elite player he was at Iowa. That should help the Bears with field position. Now, it seems they’ve shifted their focus to the return game. Velus Jones might be the early favorite for the kick returner job, but he won’t be alone.

Chicago brought back veteran special teams ace DeAndre Carter on a one-year deal. This marks the second time he’s joining the franchise, having played for them in 2020. An undrafted free agent in 2018, he has carved out a long career as a return man and wide receiver. He’s averaged 22.4 yards per kick return and 9.8 yards per punt return for his career. He also had a respectable 538 yards receiving with three touchdowns in 2021, playing for the Los Angeles Chargers under wide receivers coach Chris Beatty. The same man who now works for the Bears.

The Chicago Bears are expanding their competition.

It seems like every position on the roster has a battle unfolding ahead of training camp. Both returns jobs aren’t exempt from that. The Bears remain confident in Jones’ ability, but his track record of inconsistency meant the job wouldn’t be handed to him. Besides, he’s never been good on punt returns. Chicago has no definitive option in that regard, which is why they’ve been experimenting with #9 overall pick Rome Odunze at that spot. Carter should give them a little more flexibility.

What makes it more interesting is Carter doesn’t have a great history of other aspects of special teams. He’s never been known for productivity on coverage units. Most of his value comes through the return game. That means if he wants to outpace Jones for one of those coveted roster spots, he will have to make some magic happen during the preseason. He has some good fortune in that regard, as the Chicago Bears will play four games instead of three this year. Every extra opportunity will matter.