The NFL is trimming rosters for the 2026 season, and among the names disappearing from the active lists are several former Alabama players, most notably offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., a first‑round pick whose professional trajectory has been hampered by injury.
Wills, selected tenth overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2020, spent five seasons in Cleveland, making 57 starts before the Bears claimed him in a trade that never materialized, and now the Bears have waived him as they finalize their 2026 roster.
The move comes after Wills battled lingering knee problems that limited him to just four starts in the 2024 campaign and only 13 appearances since 2022, a stark contrast to his freshman season on Alabama’s 2017 championship team that edged Georgia in overtime.
A Legacy of Talent Meets Unexpected Turns
At Alabama, Wills was part of a dominant line that helped the Crimson Tide secure the title, and he later played under legendary coach Nick Saban, who guided the team through 29 starts over three seasons.
The ripple effect of the cuts extends beyond Wills; other alumni such as defensive end C.J. Dippre, linebacker Darrian Dalcourt, and safety Nikhai Hill‑Green were also released as teams pare down to the 53‑player limit.
The churn reflects a broader trend of teams reshaping squads after the draft, with former five‑star recruit Kobe Prentice and cornerback Domani Jackson among those whose NFL dreams were postponed.
Wills, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, had committed to Alabama as a five‑star prospect in 2016, and his journey from the SEC to the NFL underscores both the promise and the volatility of professional football.
As the 2026 season approaches, the former Crimson Tide cohort will look to rebuild, hoping that the next opportunity arrives before the next wave of cuts.