Kyle Ross - USA Today Sports
Kyle Ross - USA Today Sports

Bears sign elite returner Aron Cruickshank to free agent deal


by - Senior Editor -

The Chicago Bears have added another weapon to their special teams unit by signing former Rutgers wide receiver and return specialist Aron Cruickshank as an undrafted free agent.

Cruickshank made a name for himself as an outstanding returner in the Big Ten during his time at both Wisconsin and Rutgers. Although he can play at wide receiver if needed, he primarily could contribute as a special teams player.

In his senior year at Rutgers, Cruickshank played in all 12 games and started in 10 as a wide receiver.

He earned Third Team All-Big Ten honors as a return specialist from both the coaches and Phil Steele, and honorable mention from the media. He also made it onto the All-ECAC Special Teams list. He led the team with 913 all-purpose yards, including 385 receiving yards, 370 kickoff return yards, 115 rushing yards, and 43 punt return yards.

He played in all nine games his junior season, starting seven of them at wide receiver. He was named Big Ten Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year and First Team All-Big Ten by both the coaches and media.

During his sophomore year at Wisconsin, he played in all 14 games and was a second-team All-Big Ten selection on special teams.

In total, Cruickshank finished his college career with an impressive 4,042 all-purpose yards.

The addition of Cruickshank will provide the Bears with a dynamic return specialist if he can make the team this season.

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