Harrison Hand Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears release defensive back ahead of NFL Draft

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated 4/26/23

The Chicago Bears hope to make some big-time changes to the defense in the 2023 NFL Draft. For his first one-and-half offseasons, general manager Ryan Poles has yet to add elite talent to the Bears defensive line, especially at the three-tech. That could change with the No. 9 overall pick. With the draft upcoming in a few days, Poles released a member of the secondary on Monday.

The Chicago Bears released a defensive back

According to a statement by the Bears PR, the team has released defensive back Harrison Hand.

#Bears roster move:
We have released DB Harrison Hand.

— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) April 24, 2023

Hand is a former 2020 fifth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings. He signed with the Bears last September. Hand spent most of the season on the Bears practice squad but earned a promotion in December. He appeared in four games for the Bears last season and started in one game.

According to Pro Football Focus, Hand earned a 73.1 overall defensive grade for his 111 snaps with the Bears. He made nine solo tackles and recorded a forced fumble in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Things that just sound right: Harrison Hand gets his hand on the football & forces a fumble. pic.twitter.com/KGrJMUTTRu

— Bear Down Blog (@BearDown_Blog) January 8, 2023