Bears Sign Veteran CB Off Vikings Practice Squad

Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Joejuan Williams (29) covers Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jake Bobo (19) at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings made very few additions to their secondary this spring, but one player that they did sign to bring depth to the CB room was Joejuan Williams.

Williams was cut prior to the start of the season, but he landed back on the Vikings practice squad. It appears his stint in Minnesota may be over, though.

On Wednesday morning, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Chicago Bears signed the veteran CB off of Minnesota’s practice squad. He tweeted, “The #Bears are signing CB Joejuan Williams off the #Vikings practice squad and onto their 53-man roster, source said. A former #Patriots second-rounder.”

Bears Sign Joejuan Williams Off Vikings Practice Squad

Bears sign
Aug 12, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Joejuan Williams (33) runs the ball after intercepting a pass against the Washington Football Team during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Williams was a second-round draft pick in 2019 by the New England Patriots. This is where he spent his first four NFL seasons and played a total of 36 games, making one start. He did not appear in any game during 2022 due to injury.

In all, the cornerback recorded 44 tackles and 8 pass defenses with the Patriots before signing with the Vikings this spring.

Oct 31, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Joejuan Williams (33) reacts after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Chargers 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Williams began Vikings training camp as a starting CB during the early portions of practice. However, he quickly fell behind players like Akayleb Evans and Mekhi Blackmon on the depth chart, thus leading to Minnesota’s decision to cut him at the end of August.

The veteran CB did not appear in any games for the Vikings over the first three weeks of the season, and now, he joins a Bears CB room that contains Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, Josh Blackwell, Jaylon Jones, and Greg Stroman on the 53-man roster.

Chicago and Minnesota will square off at Soldier Field in Week 6.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.