Doug Kramer, Jr. signs a hat for a recruit division commander at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes. | Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher M. O'Grady (Wikipedia Commons)
Doug Kramer, Jr. signs a hat for a recruit division commander at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes. | Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher M. O'Grady (Wikipedia Commons)
The Chicago Bears have re-signed offensive lineman Doug Kramer Jr. to a one-year contract, the team announced Tuesday. A native of Hinsdale, Illinois, Kramer played in 16 games for the Bears during the 2024 season.
“Hinsdale's own is back for more We have re-signed Doug Kramer Jr. to a one-year contract,” The Chicago Bears wrote in a March 18 social media post on X.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Kramer has primarily played guard and center but was also used occasionally as a fullback last season. His role as a lead blocker was largely uneventful, with one notable exception—his first career rushing attempt, a goal-line carry in Week 8 against Washington, resulted in a fumbled exchange with quarterback Caleb Williams. The turnover cost Chicago a potential go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Screenshot of the Chicago Bear's March 18 social media post.
| The Chicago Bears
Kramer missed his entire rookie season in 2022 due to a leg injury, as reported by AP News, but returned in 2023 and played in two games before a brief stint with the Arizona Cardinals. He rejoined the Bears later that year and became a regular contributor in 2024.
With Chicago reshaping its offensive line this offseason, Kramer is expected to compete for a backup role, according to Fox Sports. The team recently acquired guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson via trade and signed center Drew Dalman. Despite the additions, Kramer’s versatility and familiarity with the organization could help him maintain a roster spot heading into the 2025 season.
Kramer was selected by the Bears in the sixth round (207th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He missed his rookie season due to injury but returned to play in two games in 2023 before appearing in 16 contests in 2024, according to a press release by the Chicago Bears. Kramer briefly spent time with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023 before returning to Chicago. Prior to his NFL career, he was a standout at the University of Illinois, where he played 48 games from 2017 to 2021 and earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors as a senior.
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