Chicago Bears sign former Packers draft pick, cut running back

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Chicago Bears sign former Packers draft pick, cut running back

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 21, 2026 3:38 PM ET

On Thursday, the Chicago Bears announced a couple of important roster moves before the team begins OTAs next week.

The Bears signed former Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts running back Salvon Ahmed on Wednesday. He’ll compete for a spot with D’Andre Swift, Kyle Mongai, Roschon Johnson, Brittain Brown and Coleman Bennet.

Per the Bears, the team signed safety Anthony Johnson Jr., a former seventh-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2023. He appeared in 12 games for Green Bay in 2023, and started four games. He appeared in nine games for the New York Giants in 2024, mostly used as a special teams player. He was on the reserve/PUP list for the 2025 campaign.

Chicago Bears sign former Green Bay Packers draft pick

Green Bay Packers safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (36) does a Lambeau Leap with defensive lineman Karl Brooks (94) after returning a fumble for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL preseason game on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

Johnson’s recorded 29 tackles, one interception, and four passes defensed during his time in the league. After losing Kevin Byard III Jaquan Brisker CJ Gardner-Johnson and Jonathan Owens this offseason, the Bears needed to add help at safety.

Chicago signed Coby Bryant in free agency and drafted Dillon Thieneman in the first round. Johnson will give the team extra depth at the position this offseason with the added ability to help on special teams.

To make room for the signings, the Bears used an international exemption on punter Tory Taylor (Australia) and released running back Deion Hankins. Hankins joined the Bears out of UTSA in 2025, but has not recorded any stats during his time with the team.

The Bears are able to carry 90 players for OTAs during OTAs in May and June. They’ll start with 90 players in training camp, but will cut the roster to 53 players before the start of the season.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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