The Chicago Bears have acquired quite a bit of talent over the past 24 hours. Since Tuesday, the Bears have agreed to terms on two trades to acquire new starting guards for their offensive line, landing Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams and first-team All-Pro Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs.
On Wednesday, though, they made a move to retain one of their own. Chicago Bears defensive end Daniel Hardy (92). According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Bears are tendering defensive end Daniel Hardy as an exclusive rights free agent before March 12’s start to 2025 NFL free agency. He played in all 17 games for Chicago during the 2024 season. Hardy has spent the past two seasons with the Bears, but he earned himself a core.
special teams role in 2024 after spending 2023 on the practice squad. He led the team with 11 special teams tackles and played 85% of special teams snaps (370). He also blocked punt against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1.
After the offseason hiring of Ben Johnson, though, Hardy will need to impress his new coaches to earn his roster spot and make it to the 2025 season. Fortunately for him, Hardy currently has the advantage of numbers on his side. Related: Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft 2.0: Post-NFL Combine Edition The Bears have just four defensive ends signed to their 2025 offseason roster after tendering Hardy, including Montez Sweat and 2024 fifth-round pick Austin.