The Chicago Bears added veteran linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin to their practice squad on Nov. 18, 2025. He brings eight years of NFL experience. Reeves-Maybin also serves as NFLPA president. The move fills a spot after kicker Jake Moody left for the Washington Commanders.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin signed with the Chicago Bears practice squad on Tuesday, Nov. 18
- He’s a 2023 Pro Bowl selection as special teams performer for Detroit Lions
- Career totals: 221 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles across 114 games
- Currently serves as NFLPA president since 2024 with new vote scheduled for March 2026
- Hasn’t played in a game since 2023 after Lions cut him in February 2025
What the Bears Just Added
Reeves-Maybin appeared in 114 games since the Lions drafted him in 2017. But he started just 14 times during his career. The eight-year veteran excels on special teams. From 2017-24, he played at least 60% of his team’s special teams snaps in all but one season.
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The linebacker bounced around after leaving Detroit. He signed a two-year deal with the Houston Texans in 2022. That deal included $5 million guaranteed. But he lasted just one season there. The Lions brought him back in 2023. He made the Pro Bowl that year as a special teams standout. Detroit released him in February, ending his run there.
“Reeves-Maybin currently serves as the NFLPA president, with the union set to vote on a new president in March 2026.”
Why This Signing Matters for Chicago
Head coach Ben Johnson knows Reeves-Maybin from their time in Detroit. Johnson values special teams excellence. Adding a veteran who’s played 60%+ of special teams snaps strengthens coverage units. The Bears are in playoff contention heading down the stretch.
Chicago faces the Pittsburgh Steelers next week. Special teams execution wins games. A veteran like Reeves-Maybin can contribute immediately. He took the roster spot left open when Jake Moody joined the Commanders. This fills a key practice squad need. Even if he doesn’t play much, his leadership matters. The NFLPA president brings credibility and experience to the locker room.
Career Performance Breakdown
Here’s what Reeves-Maybin has accomplished in his NFL career:
| Stat Category | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 114 | Detroit, Houston, practice squads |
| Games Started | 14 | Mostly special teams contributor |
| Total Tackles | 221 | Defensive and special teams |
| Sacks | 1.5 | Limited defensive role |
| Forced Fumbles | 6 | Career total |
| Pro Bowl Years | 2023 | Selected as special teams specialist |
The Tennessee product has 221 tackles across more than a decade of professional football. His strength lies in coverage units. In 2021, Reeves-Maybin logged 11 starts. That was his only season playing over 60% of defensive snaps. His value is on special teams, not linebacker.
What to Watch Going Forward
- Will the Bears use Reeves-Maybin on special teams against Pittsburgh?
- How does his leadership as NFLPA president influence the locker room?
- Can practice squad players elevate the team’s coverage units?
- Will Chicago’s playoff push benefit from veteran special teams help?
- Does Chicago promote him to the active roster before the season ends?
Can the Bears Keep Their Playoff Hopes Alive?
The Chicago Bears face Pittsburgh in a critical matchup. Every game matters now. Adding veteran talent helps. Reeves-Maybin brings experience and credibility. Special teams wins games in November and December. One coverage unit mistake costs victories.
The linebacker hasn’t played since 2023. Finding game rhythm takes time. But his presence signals the Bears are serious about special teams. Johnson trusts him from their Detroit days. Can Chicago make the playoffs? They’ll need strong special teams execution from everyone, including the newest practice squad member.
Sources
- NBC Sports – Breaking report on Bears practice squad signing
- Chicago Sun-Times – Detailed career and signing analysis
- Windy City Gridiron – Bears roster updates and moves
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.