After a decade of playing Detective Jay Halstead on Chicago P.D., Jesse Lee Soffer is trading in his CPD badge for a passport — and fans couldn’t be more excited. Soffer is officially joining FBI: International in a major new role that marks a thrilling shift from the streets of Chicago to high-stakes global investigations.
CBS announced this week that Soffer will debut as Special Agent Evan Ryder, a seasoned intelligence operative with a decorated military background and a reputation for doing things his way. The character is described as smart, instinctive, and fiercely loyal — traits that longtime Chicago P.D. fans will recognize instantly.
Soffer’s new role is set to shake up FBI: International's third season as Ryder joins the Fly Team on a high-risk operation in Europe. While the details of his storyline are still under wraps, insiders hint that his character could evolve into a series regular, especially given the buzz already surrounding his casting.
This move not only reunites Soffer with Wolf Entertainment but also solidifies the shared universe’s growing reach across networks. Fans are already speculating whether we could eventually see a crossover between FBI and Chicago P.D., reigniting the Halstead legacy in a whole new setting.
In a statement, Soffer shared, “This role felt like the right next chapter — intense, grounded, and full of unexpected challenges. I’m excited to dive back into the action.”
As FBI: International raises the stakes in Season 3, Soffer’s presence promises both familiarity and fresh energy — proving that whether he’s on the streets of Chicago or the back alleys of Budapest, Jesse Lee Soffer was born to lead the chase.
