Wisconsin Native, Iowa Grad Could Have Bright Future with Bears

A former Hawkeye football player with extensive at experience at multiple positions was one of over a dozen to sign a futures contract with the Chicago Bears this week.

With the Chicago Bears losing in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs this weekend, the offseason has officially begun for one of the most surprising and compelling teams this season. One of the first moves for most teams is to sign several players to "futures" deals. That's exactly what former Iowa Hawkeye Luke Elkin got this week.

Who is Luke Elkin?:

Long snapper Luke Elkin was signed by the Chicago Bears following the 2025 NFL Draft. After being cut by the Bears in late August, he was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas Eve before inking the aforementioned futures deal with the Bears this week.

Elkin played for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2021 through 2024, appearing in 53 total games and earned Second-Team All-Big Ten Conference honors as a senior. A native of Neenah, WI, Elkin's high school experience was incredibly well-rounded. He spent time as a quarterback, wide receiver, safety, and long snapper, which is what he would be in college and the pros.

What is Luke Elkin's Future with the Bears?:

David Purdy, Getty Images

Just because a player signed a futures contract with an NFL team does not guarantee them a spot on the roster in the subsequent year (in this case, the 2026 season). This move essentially promises Elkin a chance to compete to make the team in spring/summer training camp.

It would seem Elkin has something of an edge to make the team, seeing as the Bears' current long snapper, Scott Daly, is an impending free agent. That gives Elkin a good opportunity to be the Bears new go-to guy for a crucial position that's often taken for granted.

Find out more about Wisconsin native and University of Iowa graduate Luke Elkin getting his shot to prove himself for the Chicago Bears on MSN's website.