The Chicago Bears are facing a challenging offseason, losing another key piece of their special teams puzzle with running back Travis Homer heading to the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL insider Ian Rapoport broke the news, though contract specifics are still under wraps. Homer, who spent his first four years with the Seattle Seahawks, wrapped up three seasons with the Bears before making the move.
While Homer's offensive stats last year were minimal-just one carry for -2 yards-his impact on special teams was substantial. He played a significant role, participating in 62% of the special teams snaps and recording 10 tackles over 10 games.
Homer’s departure marks the second time this offseason the Steelers have dipped into the Bears’ talent pool, having also signed safety Jaquan Brisker for the upcoming 2026 season.
The Bears are feeling the pinch on special teams, even after acquiring Kalif Raymond from the Detroit Lions for his return prowess. With the exits of both Homer and Jonathan Owens, the unit is looking a bit thin. This situation puts pressure on the Bears to rely on their younger players to step up in kickoff and punt coverage roles.
However, there's a silver lining. The Bears still have Josh Blackwell, one of the NFL's top special teams performers, who remains a crucial asset. He’ll be instrumental in shouldering the responsibilities left behind by Homer and Owens.
Looking ahead, the Bears will likely address these special teams gaps in the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to infuse new talent into the roster and bolster their depth.