The Chicago Bears hoped to couple an exciting 2025 draft class with some strong moves in undrafted free agency. Perhaps the most surprising part of that venture was the players they signed. When the dust settled, only ten names had been added while other teams went with 15-20. It was an unusual decision, especially with the arrival of a new coaching staff under Ben Johnson. One would think they’d like to add as many bodies as possible. This suggests the team is happy with the roster and wants to focus on players who could help at specific positions where depth is a concern. Enter Tysheem Johnson.
Adding the Oregon safety barely registered a blip among Bears fans. That is somewhat surprising since the team did nothing of note at the position in free agency or the draft despite significant concerns about the depth behind Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Both are free agents after this season. Former scouting director Greg Gabriel believes ignoring Johnson is a mistake. He stated on the Barroom Network that the kid is an excellent football player. The only reason he didn’t get drafted was his size.
It shouldn’t be surprising that the Bears gambled on Tysheem Johnson.
For one, the numbers speak for themselves. Over the past two seasons, he had five interceptions, 137 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, eight passes defended, and a sack. He was arguably the Ducks’ best defensive player last season, which says a lot considering several of his teammates were drafted. So why were the Bears not afraid of the size concerns? That undoubtedly had to do with Dennis Allen. He has a history of making magic with smaller safeties. C.J. Gardner-Johnson (5’11, 210 lbs) emerged as a playmaker under his watch in New Orleans while Tyrann Mathieu (5’9, 190 lbs) continued his Pro Bowl career there from 2022 through 2024.
Allen has a keen understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of smaller safeties. It comes down to how they are utilized. If you try using them in roles that will be physically demanding, the worst-case scenario happens with injuries. Allen is smart enough to know that isn’t where Tysheem Johnson thrives. He’s tailor-made for a deep coverage role as a free safety. The physicality he brings is merely a bonus. He has all the earmarks of a classic overachiever.
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