Reddy Steward 1 of 5 practice squad contracts that expired for the Bears today

Reddy Steward 1 of 5 practice squad contracts that expired for the Bears today
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They may still find their way back to Chicago, but for now, these five are free agents.

On Monday, five Chicago Bears practice squad players had their contracts expire: cornerback Reddy Steward, safety J.T. Woods, linebacker Micah Baskerville, defensive tackle Dashaun Mallory, and tight end Tommy Sweeney, making them free to sign with any team. However, as practice squadders, they were technically always able to negotiate with other clubs.

Of the five, Steward is the only player who was active for a 2024 regular season game for the Bears. He was elevated for the game against the Arizona Cardinals, and he had a tackle and a forced fumble in 18 snaps on defense and one on special teams.

Steward, a ‘24 UDFA from Troy, flashed a bit in training camp, and in the preseason, he racked up 14 tackles and had two interceptions, one of which he returned 49 yards for a touchdown.

Just like during the regular season, practice squad players can negotiate with other teams. So, while Chicago had already signed most of their 2024 practice squad players to reserve/future offseason contracts, perhaps Steward wanted to keep his options open. He may have been offered a reserve/future contract like his fellow practice squadders and declined.