DH #92

Daniel Hardy

Defensive End · Montana State

A seventh-round pass rusher out of Montana State who carved out a role on special teams and earned his way to a new deal in Chicago.

Daniel Hardy is a defensive end for the Chicago Bears who has bounced from a Los Angeles Rams draft pick to a core special teams contributor on the Bears' defensive line. His path through the FCS ranks and a practice squad stint shaped a reputation as a grinder who has earned every rep.

★ Second-team FCS All-American at Montana State (2021)

★ First-team All-Big Sky selection (2021)

★ Ranks among Montana State's career leaders in sacks and tackles for loss

★ Re-signed by the Bears on a multi-year contract after developing into a core special teamer

Path to the league

Hardy began his college career at the College of the Siskiyous before transferring to Montana State, where he moved from linebacker to defensive end and became a disruptive force off the edge. In his final season with the Bobcats he racked up 24.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks, marks that rank among the highest in program history, earning him Second-team FCS All-American and First-team All-Big Sky honors. The Los Angeles Rams selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 235th overall.

Career highlights

After being waived by the Rams in 2023, Hardy signed with the Chicago Bears' practice squad and later inked a reserve/future contract. He has developed into a steady special teams presence for Chicago while working for reps on the defensive line, and the Bears rewarded that development with a multi-year contract to keep him in the fold.

2025 season recap

Hardy remained a rotational piece for Chicago's defense and special teams units in 2025, continuing to build on a career total of 38 tackles and a forced fumble. He even saw a trick-play snap at fullback in a Week 17 game against San Francisco, underscoring his versatility and value as a depth piece.