Bears sign a former Super Bowl defensive back before the start of free agency
The Chicago Bears have announced a few roster additions heading into the weekend before the start of free agency, including the signing of a former defensive back who made a critical Super Bowl play a few seasons ago. The Bears official communications account announced the signing of defensive back Tarvarius Moore and the re-negotiated/extended contract […]
The Chicago Bears have announced a few roster additions heading into the weekend before the start of free agency, including the signing of a former defensive back who made a critical Super Bowl play a few seasons ago.
The Bears official communications account announced the signing of defensive back Tarvarius Moore and the re-negotiated/extended contract for wide receiver Collin Johnson.
These additions to the roster were made before the NFL free agency period officially begins March 13 with the legal tampering period beginning on Monday, March 11.
Moore was last rostered by the Green Bay Packers leading up to the start of the 2023 season but was released due to a knee injury suffered against the New England Patriots during the preseason. Before joining the Packers, Moore spent four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, who drafted him in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
In his career, Moore has recorded six pass deflections, 108 total tackles, and two forced fumbles during his 61 games played with the 49ers. The 27-year-old safety started 13 games for the 49ers during his first three seasons, including eight starts in 2020. He missed the entire 2021 season with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
According to Pro Football Focus, Moore has allowed 31 receptions on 51 targets for 374 yards and six touchdown in coverage in his career. However, in 2019, Moore allowed a 39.6 passer rating in coverage on 154 coverage snaps.
Moore's biggest moment in his professional career came in Super Bowl LIV to conclude the 2019 season against the Kansas City Chiefs after recording an interception against Patrick Mahomes in the fourth quarter to nearly seal the win.
The 49ers reportedly were looking to bring Moore back late the 2023 regular season after bringing him in for a workout. The free agent ultimately did not get picked up and now lands with the Bears to add some additional depth to the secondary and be an additional player on special teams. Moore played 50+ percent of the special teams snaps in each of his four career seasons with the 49ers.
As for Johnson, the Bears are bringing back a big bodied wide receiver who spent the majority of the previous season on the practice squad. Johnson was elevated to the active roster on three separate occasions during the regular season and was officially signed to the active roster on January 3rd.
Johnson finished the season having caught his only target for 11 yards in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bears' coaching staff seem to be fond of the former fifth round pick to bring him back in 2024 and perhaps he could look to get more opportunities to get on the field heading into next season.
Bears bring back one of the team’s longest tenured players before the start of free agency
The team is keeping the unit together.
