Ex-Chicago Bears RB signs with Buffalo Bills

Imagn Images

Ex-Chicago Bears RB signs with Buffalo Bills

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jun 19, 2026 9:55 AM ET

Former Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler is back in the NFL. The 24-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, per NFL insider Adam Schefter.

It marks his third NFL team after stints with the Bears in 2024 and a brief run on the New Orleans Saints practice squad in 2025.

Wheeler arrives in Buffalo off an impressive UFL campaign with the Louisville Kings. He helped lead the franchise to a championship and was named the 2026 United Bowl Most Valuable Player.

Wheeler posted 83 carries for 541 yards at 6.62 yards per carry across the regular season and playoffs. He also set the UFL single-game record with four rushing touchdowns.

In the championship game, he rushed for 81 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown.

Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler (33) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Recalling Ian Wheeler’s Time With the Chicago Bears

Wheeler’s path to Buffalo has been anything but straightforward. After going undrafted out of Howard in 2024, he showed immediate promise during Bears training camp.

He tallied 12 carries for 52 yards, two rushing touchdowns and two catches for 14 yards across three preseason games. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL in the third game, ending his season before it began.

Wheeler returned the following year and picked up where he left off. He posted 26 carries for 100 yards, two rushing touchdowns and one catch for 14 yards across two 2025 preseason games.

His 5.46 yards per carry ranked second among Bears backs during his time in Chicago. The running back room was crowded, led by D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Wheeler could not crack the 53-man roster. The Bears released him before the regular season.

Buffalo represents a fresh start. Wheeler enters Bills camp hungry and with momentum at his back. The Bills open the 2026 season Sept. 13 against the Houston Texans, and Wheeler will do everything in his power to make the opening day roster.

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

More must-reads: