Former Bears Player Gets Second Chance With Rival Team

Jonathan Bullard, a defensive end who started his career with the Chicago Bears, has signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 11:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a football player, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange hues conveying the raw power and intensity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a defensive end's explosive energy, as a former Bears player gets another chance with a rival team.Bullard Today

Jonathan Bullard, a former third-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 2016, has signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Bullard has bounced around the league since leaving the Bears in 2018, playing for the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints. The Bears did not re-sign Bullard, allowing him to join their NFC rival Cowboys for the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters

Bullard's signing with the Cowboys represents another chance for the defensive end to prove his worth in the NFL after struggling to find a permanent home since his time with the Bears. The move also highlights the Bears' decision not to re-sign Bullard, potentially leaving a hole at the defensive end position that they may need to address in the upcoming draft.

The details

Bullard was drafted by the Bears in the third round, 72nd overall, out of the University of Florida in 2016. He spent three seasons with the Bears from 2016-2018 before moving on to the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints over the next several years. The Cowboys have now signed Bullard to a one-year deal worth a maximum of $2.5 million for the 2026-27 season.

  • Bullard was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 3rd round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
  • Bullard played for the Bears from 2016 to 2018.
  • Bullard has since played for the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints from 2019 to 2025.
  • Bullard signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys on March 28, 2026 for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Jonathan Bullard

A veteran defensive end who was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 3rd round in 2016 and has since played for several other NFL teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints. He has now signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys for the 2026-27 season.

Chicago Bears

The NFL team that drafted Jonathan Bullard in 2016 and had him on their roster from 2016 to 2018 before he left the team.

Dallas Cowboys

The NFC rival team that has signed Jonathan Bullard to a one-year contract for the 2026-27 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported on Saturday, March 28, that the Dallas Cowboys are signing Bullard to a one-year deal. The contract is worth a maximum of $2.5 million, according to his research.”

— Mike Garafolo, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The Bears will face the Cowboys during the 2026-27 NFL season, providing an opportunity for Bullard to play against his former team.

The takeaway

Bullard's signing with the Cowboys represents another chance for the veteran defensive end to prove his worth in the NFL after struggling to find a permanent home since leaving the Bears. The move also highlights the Bears' decision not to re-sign Bullard, potentially leaving a hole at the defensive end position that they may need to address in the upcoming draft.