Jonathan Bullard

Jonathan Bullard (born October 22, 1993) is an American professional football defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida Gators and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft, and has also played for the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints.

Early life Bullard attended Crest Senior High School in Shelby, North Carolina. As a senior, he had 82 tackles and 16 sacks. Bullard was a five-star recruit and was ranked as the best defensive end in his class. He committed to the University of Florida to play college football.

College career Bullard played in all 13 games and made two starts as a true freshman at Florida in 2012. He had 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks. As a sophomore in 2013, he played in 11 games with eight starts and recorded 33 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He started all 12 games and had 52 tackles with 2.5 sacks his junior year in 2014. Bullard returned to Florida his senior season rather than enter the 2015 NFL draft.

Professional career

Chicago Bears Bullard was selected in the third round (72nd overall) by the Chicago Bears in the 2016 NFL draft. He signed his rookie contract on June 6, 2016. He made his NFL debut on September 11 against the Houston Texans. On October 9, Bullard recorded his first sack of his career, taking down Indianapolis Colts' Andrew Luck. He finished his rookie season with one start in fourteen games, recording eighteen tackles and a sack.

Bullard recorded his first career pass break-up on September 28, 2017, as well as a tackle against the Green Bay Packers. On October 29, he logged his first forced fumble against the New Orleans Saints, stripping running back Mark Ingram II In a blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Bullard got his first and only sack of the 2017 season, bringing down quarterback Carson Wentz on November 26. He finished his second season with three starts, recording 26 tackles, a sack, and two pass breakups. Bullard was waived during the final roster cuts on August 31, 2019.

Arizona Cardinals On September 1, 2019, Bullard was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Cardinals. He was placed on injured reserve on December 6, 2019, with a hamstring injury. He finished the season with 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks through nine games and six starts.

On April 3, 2020, Bullard re-signed with the Cardinals. On September 5, Bullard was released during final roster cuts. He was re-signed to the practice squad a day later.

Seattle Seahawks On October 7, 2020, Bullard was signed to the active roster of the Seattle Seahawks off the Cardinals' practice squad. He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Seahawks on January 9, 2021, and activated on January 21.

Atlanta Falcons On April 1, 2021, Bullard signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons.

Minnesota Vikings On June 2, 2022, Bullard signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He was placed on injured reserve on December 10, 2022. He was activated on January 7, 2023.

Bullard re-signed with the Vikings on March 21, 2023. He played in all 17 games with 14 starts, recording a career-high 44 tackles and two sacks.

On March 13, 2024, Bullard re-signed with the Vikings. He started all 17 games, recording 41 tackles, one sack, and three passes defensed.

New Orleans Saints On July 23, 2025, Bullard signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints. Bullard made 15 appearances (including six starts) for the Saints, recording two pass deflections and 26 combined tackles.

Dallas Cowboys On March 28, 2026, Bullard signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys.