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Packers Bring Back Ford: Defensive Tackle Returns
30 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Packers re-sign defensive lineman Jonathan Ford, claimed off waivers from Bears.
- Ford spent 2022-2024 with Packers, then Bears, without a regular-season game appearance.
- Packers needed tackle after Jordon Riley's season-ending Achilles injury.
The Green Bay Packers have brought defensive lineman Jonathan Ford back to the team, claiming him off waivers from the Chicago Bears on Monday, December 30, 2025. Ford was initially drafted by the Packers in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He remained with Green Bay through parts of 2022, 2023, and 2024, but did not feature in any regular-season games for the team.
The Bears claimed Ford off waivers from the Packers on December 11, 2024, and he remained with Chicago through the end of that season and the entirety of the current 2025 season. During his time with the Bears, Ford played in 12 games, accumulating 13 tackles over 173 defensive snaps and 15 special teams plays.
This acquisition by Green Bay comes as a corresponding move was not needed, as linebacker Kristian Welch was placed on injured reserve last week. The Packers were reportedly seeking a defensive tackle to fill the void left by Jordon Riley, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tear against the Ravens on Saturday, December 28, 2025. Riley had been signed off the Giants' practice squad earlier in December.
