Bears sign hybrid UDFA defensive back following rookie minicamp by once again taking advantage of a new league rule to free a roster spot

Walker was a hybrid defender at Stephen F Austin starting out at safety as a freshman before transitioning into a starting outside cornerback in 2024. Walker played all over the secondary totaling 151 tackles, 15 pass breakups, and four interceptions throughout his five-year career.

He fits exactly what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was looking for to bring depth into the secondary. Walker has a solid frame, is fast, and is a versatile guy who can compete at any position in the secondary throughout the summer.

The Bears elected not to draft a safety in the 2025 NFL Draft and only took one cornerback in Zah Frazier. A few days ago, general manager Ryan Poles noted a few undrafted guys will have the opportunity to earn a spot during minicamp to provide depth in the secondary when asked about two other UDFA signings.

Throughout rookie minicamp, Allen noted how he was putting a lot on the plate for the secondary players to see what they can handle and how it looked translating onto the field over the three days at practice.

"They're heads are swimming a little bit in terms of what we're doing defensively," Allen told reporters on Saturday. "I think when you really look at all of these guys, there's a skillset that we're excited about working with. Now it's our job to help develop that skillset."

Walker ended up being the one that impressed the most and will now join the 90-man roster that features 19 players in the secondary alone. It'll make for an exciting battle heading into OTAs and training camp.

Bears granted roster exemption to sign Jeremiah Walker

Prior to rookie minicamp, the Bears were at the 90-man limit. In order to sign Walker on Monday, the team was granted an international player exemption for punter Tory Taylor, meaning Taylor does not count against the current 90-man limit.

The Bears did a similar move with Taylor in 2024 since he qualifies for the International Player Pathway (IPP) program.

It's a nifty trick teams can use to add an additional player to the roster. And once again the Bears use it to their advantage going into the remainder of the offseason program.