Jedrick Wills Gets Encouraging Bills Update After Back Issue With Bears

The Buffalo Bills have received an encouraging update on new offensive tackle Jedrick Wills after he dealt with a back issue during his time with the Chicago Bears . The Bills recently added Wills to its practice squad after the former first-round pick was released by the Bears during roster cutdowns.

The move gives the Bills another experienced option at tackle. It also provides Wills with an opportunity to revive his career after injuries significantly limited his availability in recent seasons.

Bills general manager Brandon Beane explained that the team liked what it saw from Wills during his time with the Bears. Buffalo also believes the offensive tackle is physically capable of returning to a significant role. NFL insider Alex Brasky shares Brandon Beane's disclosure, which he made during a recent presser, via his X handle.

"No. 1 draft pick, I remember scouting him.. Really good player.. Had some injury issues… Watched his tape at Chicago, said his feet look really good…"

Wills was selected 10th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 NFL Draft. He went on to make 57 starts across 58 appearances before knee problems derailed his career. After playing a full 2022 season, he appeared in only 13 games over the following two seasons. He did not play during the 2025 season while recovering.

Ahead of the new season, the offensive tackle spent training camp with the Bears before being released on cutdown day. Eventually, Chicago released Wills with an injury settlement during roster cutdowns, making him available to Buffalo. The Bills could use the additional depth at tackle. Ryan Van Demark left Buffalo after the Vikings signed him to a one-year offer sheet that the Bills declined to match.

Elsewhere, rookie Jude Bowry is dealing with a left-foot injury he sustained during Buffalo's preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, which has limited him throughout the preseason. That situation could create an opportunity for Wills.

The former Alabama standout brings considerably more NFL experience than many of Buffalo's other reserve tackle options. If he can remain healthy, he could eventually become a useful depth piece or compete for a larger role.

For Wills, the Bills have chosen to bet on his potential and sign him into the organization despite his not matching the initial hype that trailed his earlier NFL days. He started 57 out of 58 games f or Cleveland before injuries began restricting his availability. His extended absence in 2025 also left questions about whether he could return to his previous level. However, the Bills appear willing to take that chance.

Buffalo's decision to bring Wills into the organization suggests the team believes his physical tools remain intact. Beane's comments about his footwork after watching his Bears tape provide another positive sign. For now, Wills will need to work his way back into football shape while Buffalo carefully manages his workload.