On August 31, 2012, McManis was traded to the Chicago Bears for fullback Tyler Clutts.[3] In Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans, McManis blocked Brett Kern's punt, which was recovered by former Northwestern teammate Corey Wootton, who returned the blocked punt for a touchdown.[4] McManis was eventually named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.[5] McManis was placed on injured reserve on December 11.[6] In the 2015 season, McManis had 11 special-teams tackles, which led the team.[7]