Bears Sign Veteran Offensive Lineman After Hiring Ben Johnson as Head Coach
According to the team’s January 22 transaction wire, the Bears have signed veteran offensive tackle Joshua Miles and second-year safety Alex Cook to reserve/future contracts for the upcoming offseason. Both players were previously with the New York Giants.
Miles, a 29-year-old 2019 seventh-round pick, has appeared in 10 NFL games across six seasons, spending time with both the Giants and Arizona Cardinals. Though he has logged more snaps on special teams (69) than offense (23) in his career, his signing provides added depth at tackle for the Bears ahead of an offseason filled with uncertainties at the position.
Seven offensive linemen, including tackles Larry Borom and Jake Curhan, are set to hit free agency in March unless the Bears re-sign them. Meanwhile, starting left tackle Braxton Jones is recovering from a season-ending ankle injury suffered in Week 15. If Jones’ recovery extends into the 2025 season, the Bears may need to secure a reliable contingency plan.
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Can Joshua Miles Make It to Training Camp?
While Miles lacks the experience to be considered a marquee addition, he addresses a pressing need for offensive line depth.
A three-year starter at Morgan State, Miles played both guard and tackle in college. During his senior year in 2018, he allowed just one sack as a full-time starter and earned third-team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors, culminating in an invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl.
The Arizona Cardinals drafted the 6-foot-5, 325-pound lineman in the seventh round, eventually using him as a backup behind Pro Bowl left tackle D.J. Humphries during the 2021 season. Miles appeared in 10 games that year, primarily on special teams.
With their offensive line depth chart still uncertain, the Bears can afford to take a chance on Miles. His fate, however, will likely depend on how the team addresses the position during free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Alex Cook Adds Depth at Safety Under Ben Johnson
The Bears also addressed their safety depth on January 22 by signing Alex Cook, who brings more NFL experience at his position than Miles.
Cook entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023, initially joining the New York Giants’ practice squad after failing to make their 53-man roster. Midway through the season, the Carolina Panthers signed him to their active roster for added depth.
Cook played in 10 games for the Panthers in 2023, making two starts. In his NFL debut at strong safety, he impressed with seven total tackles — the second-most on the team — and a tackle for loss while playing every defensive snap.
Despite showing promise, Cook did not stick with the Panthers through a coaching change and spent the entire 2024 season on their practice squad. With the Bears, however, he has a chance to compete for a roster spot under their new coaching staff.
While neither Miles nor Cook are guaranteed roles on the 2025 roster, both signings address key depth concerns as the Bears begin to reshape their team under Ben Johnson’s leadership.
