Chicago Bears Sign Former Titans 6’4″, 295-lb Defensive Tackle
The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with defensive tackle James Lynch on a one-year contract, sources confirmed to Filmogaz.com. The move adds interior depth as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
Contract and roster context
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network first reported the signing. Lynch’s agent at LIFT Sports Management also confirmed the deal to reporters.
The signing follows earlier additions of Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street. General manager Ryan Poles has been adding multiple rotational pieces along the defensive line.
Deal details
Lynch’s agreement is for one year, per the reports. The Bears have used similar short-term contracts for recent interior signings.
Neville Gallimore signed a two-year, $12 million deal. Kentavius Street’s contract was a one-year, $1.48 million agreement.
Player background and production
James Lynch is 27 years old and listed at 6’4″ and 295 pounds. He entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020.
Lynch has five seasons of professional experience with Minnesota and Tennessee. He has appeared in 71 career games.
- 98 total tackles
- 3.5 sacks
- 7 quarterback hits
- 7 tackles for loss
At the 2020 NFL Combine, Lynch worked with Uplifting Athletes to support the rare disease community. He has built a reputation as a reliable rotational interior lineman.
Fit with the Bears
The addition leaves Chicago with multiple options at defensive tackle. The room now includes Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter Sr., Gallimore, Street, and Lynch.
Poles appears focused on depth and rotation on the interior. Lynch is expected to be a part of that rotation.
Draft implications
Despite these signings, the Bears are still expected to target interior defensive help in the draft. Team decision-makers remain open to adding a high-upside interior player.
Caleb Banks, a Florida defensive tackle prospect, suffered a broken foot at the Combine. That injury likely hurts his first-round candidacy.
- Potential early-round fits include Kayden McDonald and Peter Woods.
- Middle-round names under consideration include Gracen Halton, Chris McClellan, Skyler Gill-Howard, Zane Durant, and David Gusta.
With the current signings, it would still surprise many if the Bears did not select at least one defensive tackle in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears sign former Titans 6’4″ 295-lb defensive tackle adds experience and depth to the interior rotation.
