Travis Homer Re-Signs with Bears: What His One-Year Deal Means for Chicago’s 2026 Backfield

The Pittsburgh Steelers have bolstered both their running-back depth chart and special-teams unit by agreeing to terms with veteran Travis Homer, according to multiple reports released on March 23, 2026. Homer, 27, arrives in Pittsburgh after spending the 2025 season with the Chicago Bears, where he logged 18 carries for 79 yards and played 67 percent of the club’s special-teams snaps. Prior to that, the former sixth-round pick out of Miami (2019) spent four years with the Seattle Seahawks and built a reputation for relentless punt-coverage work and reliable third-down blocking. In 81 career games he has totaled 762 rushing yards, 504 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while forcing two fumbles on kick coverage. Why the Steelers targeted Homer 1. Special-teams priority: Coordinator Danny Smith lost core contributors Miles Killebrew and Benny Snell to free agency. Homer’s open-field tackling angle and lane discipline immediately answer that void. 2. Third-down insurance: Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren thrive between the tackles, but the Steelers lacked a proven pass-protection back after Anthony McFarland Jr.’s departure. Homer has surrendered only two sacks on 188 career pass-block reps. 3. Cap-friendly deal: Details of the contract were not disclosed, yet league insiders characterize it as a one-year, incentive-laden agreement—mirroring the club’s philosophy of low-risk veteran signings. Fit within Arthur Smith’s offense New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith leans on wide-zone concepts and heavy pre-snap motion. Homer’s footspeed (4.48 s 40-yard dash) and comfort catching screens out of the backfield suit the system’s perimeter runs and play-action check-downs. Expect him to battle rookie Day-Three pick Rico Dowdle for RB3 snaps during training camp, with a clear edge on special teams tipping the scales in his favor. What’s next • Medical and conditioning test: Homer must clear the club’s physical at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex this week. • Off-season program: Voluntary workouts open April 15, giving coaches an extended look at how quickly he digests Smith’s playbook. • Draft implications: Pittsburgh holds nine picks, but insiders now believe the front office may pivot from selecting a late-round gadget back to addressing secondary depth instead. Bottom line By scooping up Travis Homer, the Steelers secure a high-energy special-teams ace who doubles as an experienced third-down protector—an economical move that could pay dividends every time the punt team jogs onto Acrisure Stadium’s turf this fall.