The Chicago Bears have re-signed wide receiver Peter LeBlanc, an undrafted free agent, following the placement of wide receiver Freddie Swain on injured reserve. This roster move comes as the Bears deal with depth concerns in their receiving corps as they navigate the remainder of the preseason.
Swain, a veteran receiver with previous stints with the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, and Denver Broncos, joined the Bears in the offseason looking to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. During the preseason, Swain showcased his abilities with three receptions for 30 yards across the team’s first two exhibition games. However, his opportunity to continue impressing was cut short due to injury, prompting the Bears to place him on injured reserve. Given Swain’s experience and solid production during his time in Seattle, this is a setback for both the player and the team as they look to solidify their offensive options.
In response to Swain’s injury, the Bears quickly moved to bring back Peter LeBlanc, who had previously been with the team but was released earlier in training camp. LeBlanc, an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana-Lafayette, initially signed with the Bears following the 2024 NFL Draft. Although his first stint with the team was brief, LeBlanc showed flashes of potential during OTAs and early training camp practices. However, with the crowded competition at wide receiver, he was ultimately let go as the Bears trimmed their roster.
The decision to bring LeBlanc back indicates the coaching staff’s belief in his abilities and familiarity with their system. Standing at 6-foot and weighing 190 pounds, LeBlanc was a productive receiver at Louisiana-Lafayette, where he tallied 2,048 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over his college career. Known for his route-running and reliability as a pass-catcher, he now has another opportunity to compete for a spot on the final roster.
Upon rejoining the team, LeBlanc was assigned the same jersey number, 82, which he wore during his previous stint with the Bears. This familiarity, along with his existing rapport with the coaching staff and teammates, should allow him to quickly reintegrate into the team’s plans as they prepare for the final preseason game and make critical roster decisions.
While the Bears’ receiving corps remains competitive, LeBlanc’s return adds depth and versatility. The team will be closely evaluating his performance in practice and any remaining preseason action. As the Bears aim to improve their offense heading into the regular season, LeBlanc’s ability to contribute could play a key role in the team’s depth at the wide receiver position.
