By Sunday 
If you’re a fan of NFL comeback stories, Jalen Reeves-Maybin just gave you a fresh chapter worth bookmarking. After months of uncertainty and silence around his football future, the veteran linebacker and special teams standout is officially back in the league—this time with the Chicago Bears, who signed him to their practice squad on Tuesday.
A Quiet Offseason… Until Now
Reeves-Maybin hadn’t been on a roster since the Lions cut him in March, a surprising move considering how much he meant to Detroit’s special teams unit. The only noise around him in the months since was a workout with the 49ers, but no deal came of it.
Now, Chicago is giving him the shot that fans—especially Lions fans—felt he still deserved.
More Than a Linebacker: The NFLPA President
It’s worth noting that Reeves-Maybin is not just any veteran pickup. He currently serves as the NFLPA president, a role that puts him at the center of major league decisions as the union prepares to vote on a new president in March 2026.
Balancing leadership in the league office while grinding for a roster spot? That’s the definition of resilience.
A Career With Layers
Drafted by the Lions in the fourth round in 2017, Reeves-Maybin spent his first five seasons in Detroit before joining the Texans in 2022. He later returned to the Lions in 2023—where he made the Pro Bowl as a special teams player.
Across his career, he’s stacked up:
- 221 tackles
- 1.5 sacks
- 6 forced fumbles
Those numbers tell one story. His persistence tells another.
What This Means for the Bears
For Chicago, this is a no-risk, high-value pickup. Practice squads are built for depth, stability, and veteran presence—and Reeves-Maybin checks all those boxes. He’s the type of player who can step in, contribute immediately on special teams, and bring leadership to a young locker room.
And for Reeves-Maybin? It’s the next stop on a journey that refuses to lose momentum.