Bears sign Ivey and Hellams to strengthen defense

The Chicago Bears signed two defensive backs from this week’s tryout pool, moving quickly to plug holes in a battered secondary. The moves come two days after Chicago listed veteran cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon on injured reserve with lower-body issues. The Bears also have rookie corner Tydus Winfree dealing with a hamstring problem, leaving the depth chart thin at a critical position.

The Bears’ secondary has been a revolving door this season. Through nine games, Chicago has cycled through 17 different defensive backs with at least one snap, tied for the most in the NFL. The latest injuries forced the team to call a tryout on Friday, a last-resort tactic usually reserved for midseason desperation. The Bears have already lost three cornerbacks to IR and could see Johnson return as early as Week 11, but they can’t afford to wait.

The two newcomers—undrafted rookies D.J. Ivey and DeMarcco Hellams—will compete for roster spots behind starters Kindle Vildor and rookie phenom Brian Branch. Ivey, a seventh-round pick from Miami, brings length and ball skills but has struggled with consistency. Hellams, a safety converted to corner last season, was cut by the Saints’ practice squad in October. Both players signed one-year deals and will need to prove they belong before the November 7 roster deadline.

Chicago’s next move could be a trade or a waiver claim if another injury surfaces. The Bears rank 27th in pass defense, allowing 238 yards per game, and their secondary has surrendered the third-most explosive plays (15+ yards) in the league. With a soft schedule ahead—Detroit, Carolina, and Washington in the next three weeks—the roster additions buy time, but the clock is ticking on the Bears’ playoff push.