Updated: Bears sign USFL star DeMarquis Gates

On Friday the Chicago Bears brought in four linebackers on a tryout basis, and it would appear that general manager Ryan Poles liked what he saw from at least one of them; DeMarquis Gates.

It’s being reported by Heavy’s Matt Lombardo that the Bears have agreed to terms with the 2022 All-USFL performer. Once the Bears make it official they’ll need to make a move to fit him on the 90-man roster.

Update: The Bears have officially announced this transaction with the corresponding roster move being linebacker Christain Albright waived with an injury designation. If he clears waivers he can revert to the Bears' injured reserve list.

The 26-year-old Gates was originally signed as an undrafted free agent of the Cleveland Browns in 2018, but he was cut that summer.

His football journey then took a path through six leagues — AAF, back to the NFL with Washington, XFL, The Spring League, CFL, and the USFL — before finally getting another shot in the NFL in the Windy City.

Besides being named to the All-USFL team as a linebacker he also helped lead the Birmingham Stallions to the championship. In 9 games with the Stallions he had 68 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and an interception.