The infamous Canadian Eagle has been waived by the Chicago Bears.
Offensive lineman Theo Benedet signed a priority undrafted free agent contract with the Bears in April which included a $20,000 USD signing bonus plus $80,000 USD in base salary guaranteed for a $100,000 USD guaranteed total.
The 22-year-old Canuck started every game in his four seasons at the University of British Columbia at right tackle, becoming the most decorated offensive lineman in Canadian university football history. The North Vancouver native is the first offensive player to win back-to-back J.P. Metras Trophies as the country’s top down lineman and secured first-team All-Canadian honours on both occasions.
The six-foot-seven, 295-pound blocker attended the East-West Shrine Bowl following the 2022 season but made a surprise decision to return to school and defer his draft year. Despite that fact, he impressed as the only U Sports representative, finishing as the fifth-highest-graded offensive lineman according to Pro Football Focus and becoming the only blocker to rate in the 75th percentile or above in all pass-set metrics.
That performance fueled NFL attention throughout his final university season, with a double-digit amount of NFL franchises visiting UBC’s campus last season as the Thunderbirds made a run to the Vanier Cup, losing to the University of Montreal Carabins. He attended the College Gridiron Showcase in January and was one of the most interviewed prospects, speaking with nearly every NFL team in attendance.
Representatives from 16 NFL teams were on hand at UBC’s pro day in Vancouver at the end of March. The talented tackle put up 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench while leaping 34.5 inches in the vertical and 114 inches in the broad. He clocked a 5.14-second forty-yard dash with a 1.77 ten-yard split, plus recorded a 7.69 three-cone and 4.60 short shuttle. He later travelled to Indianapolis for a Top 30 visit with the Colts and worked out privately for the Buffalo Bills in Toronto.
Benedet was selected by the B.C. Lions in the second round, 15th overall during the 2024 CFL Draft.
NFL teams were required to make final 53-man active roster cuts on Tuesday, Aug. 27 in preparation for the regular season.
Editor’s note: Benedet was added to Chicago’s practice roster on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
