Grading the signing: Bears add another highly respected player to the defense who’s arrival shouldn’t be overlooked despite his expected role
The Chicago Bears add some much-needed depth to the secondary.
The Chicago Bears continue to add more and more pieces to the defensive side of the ball with a full overhaul underway for that side of the ball.
The Bears made three big signings and are now in the process of bolstering the depth at various positions. Which is exactly where new defensive back Cam Lewis comes into play.
Lewis spent seven seasons with the Buffalo Bills and now is set to join the Bears on a two-year deal with the terms yet to be reported. Lewis’ previous contract was a two-year, $4 million for context of what the price could be.
Bears newest signing might be overlooked despite filling an obvious need on defense
Not many people outside of Buffalo have probably heard of Lewis. That’s because he was primarily a depth and special teams player for the Bills but quickly earned respect in the locker room and among the fans for the way he stepped up time and time again. Just look what my colleague Adam Zientek of A to Z Sports Buffalo had to say about him.
“Lewis was an undrafted rookie coming out of the University of Buffalo. It’s no surprise then that Bills Mafia quickly fell in love with the versatile playmaker. He can play any of the defensive back positions from depth and can sprinkle in for dime settings. He has experience in the slot, in the box, and also played exceptionally well as a special teamer for Buffalo. The Chicago Bears are getting not only an exceptional locker room guy, but someone who can come in for relief of almost any position in the backfield and play it well. He left something to be desired with his coverage at times, but he makes up for that with his abilities on the special teams unit.
He came in for relief of nickel cornerback Taron Johnson and played in the safety and as a slot corner at times for Buffalo, even playing in every single defensive snap on at least one occasion, and looked worth every penny of his contract. From an undrafted rookie to now entering his eighth season, the dude is tough as nails and someone that I wanted back with the Buffalo Bills for the 2026 season under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
Buffalo is in a difficult cap situation, paired with Leonhard’s new approach to the defense; his services were just no longer required at One Bills Drive. Bills Mafia will be keeping close tabs on the talented defensive back during his tenure with the Chicago Bears, wishing nothing but the best for him and his future.”
It’s not the sexiest signing by any means, but this is exactly the kind of player the Bears needed to retool the depth in the secondary. Here’s an idea of the versatility he can bring based on his 2025 snap count: 170 snaps in the box, 145 snaps at nickel, and 99 snaps at free safety. Essentially he’s the backup nickel backup behind Kyler Gordon and spot player in dime packages.
Why is that important? The Bears had two players in that role in 2025, Nick McCloud and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. McCloud allowed a team-high 148.2 passer rating in coverage and five touchdowns. Gardner-Johnson allowed three touchdowns and 488 yards. Clearly, there was a dire need for an upgrade and Lewis can bring that after allowing one touchdown and an 81.8 passer rating in 2025. Not to mention the value he brings on special teams.
Grade: B
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