The Chicago Bears announced that they have signed offensive lineman Wesley French, a center who was originally an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts in 2022. In the corresponding transaction, they have waived defensive back Brandon Hill, who was just signed on Sunday.

The 29-year-old French (6’4″, 307) was part of a three-man tryout today, along with Tremayne Anchrum and Lecitus Smith, and according to the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs, the Bears need an extra center because second-year interior offensive lineman Luke Newman is sidelined for an undisclosed reason. Briggs speculated that French could see some action in Saturday’s preseason game against the Browns.

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The top two centers on the Bears’ roster are starter Garrett Bradbury and rookie second-round pick Logan Jones. Undrafted free agent Jaren Kump was listed as the number three on today’s unofficial depth chart.

In 2023 with the Colts, French appeared in all 17 games, making three starts. He spent 2024 on injured reserve, was waived before the 2025 season, and spent time on the Cowboys’ and Browns’ practice squads last year.

Also today, wide receiver Kyron Hudson, whom the Bears waived/injured yesterday, cleared waivers and reverted to Chicago’s Reserve/Injured list.