J.T. Barrett

Ben Johnson gets another one. This is the third Bears hire of the day and the second former Lion. Former Lions WR coach Antwaan Randle El was hired as the Bears’ assistant head coach and wide receivers coach earlier today, shortly after former Cowboys assistant head coach and defensive backs coach Al Harris was brought on board as the Bears’ new pass game coordinator. The 30-year-old Barrett joined the NFL’s coaching ranks as a Lions offensive assistant just three years ago before being promoted to the assistant QB coach position one year later. He evidently made a good impression on Johnson. The two will now develop Caleb Williams together in Chicago.

Barrett hasn't been on an NFL roster since 2020 when he participated in training camp as a member of the Steelers. He joined the CFL's Edmonton Elks in January but saw his season come to an end in late March. With his time as a player appearing to be over, Barrett will join the Lions' coaching staff as an offensive assistant for the 2022 season. An undrafted free agent from the 2018 draft class, Barrett also spent time with the Saints and Seahawks.

Barrett joined Pittsburgh's practice squad Christmas Eve and is now set to spend the offseason with the team. The 24-year-old spent much of the last two seasons moving on and off the Saints' practice squad, and he has yet to make his NFL debut.

Barrett spent time on New Orleans' practice squad earlier in the season, but he's still yet to make his NFL debut since going undrafted out of Ohio State in 2018. He'll now serve as an emergency option in Pittsburgh in the wake of Mason Rudolph (shoulder) being placed on injured reserve.