The Chicago Bears will retain the core of their special teams teams until free agency opens. The Bears will re-sign defensive end Daniel Hardy to a two-year contract, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Over The Cap reports that Hardy’s base value will be $4.97 million, with a cap hit of $2.1 million in 2026.
Originally a seventh-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, Hardy joined the Bears in 2023 and made a splash during training camp and the preseason. He became a key player on special teams while providing depth on the defensive line. In 2025, Hardy totaled 22 tackles and one quarterback hit, and had a handful of snaps at fullback late in the season.
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With the free-agent negotiating window opening on Monday, general manager Ryan Boles is getting some head start on retaining some players. We’ll see if more players like Hardy are re-signed before the window officially opens at 11 a.m. CT.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears re-sign special teams ace Daniel Hardy to two-year contract
