Since walking away from Chicago P.D. as a series regular in 2022, Jesse Lee Soffer has kept a relatively low profile — but that doesn’t mean he’s been sitting still. Four years later, fans are finally getting a clearer picture of what his life looks like now and what exciting projects may be on the horizon.
Life After Halstead
After his emotional exit in Season 10, Soffer stepped back from the weekly grind of network television to focus on his mental health and personal life. He has openly admitted that the intense schedule and heavy storylines took a toll on him. “I needed time to breathe,” he said in a recent interview. “Playing Jay for ten years was an incredible ride, but it was also exhausting.”
These days, Soffer splits his time between Chicago and Los Angeles. He continues to direct episodes of Chicago P.D. (he has directed several in Season 13), which allows him to stay connected to the show and the cast he considers family without carrying the emotional weight of being on camera every week.
He has also embraced a more balanced lifestyle:
- Regular hiking and surfing trips
- Playing guitar and writing music
- Cooking (he’s become quite the amateur chef)
- Volunteering with veterans’ organizations
Most notably, Soffer has been spending a lot of time with Tracy Spiridakos. The pair’s close relationship — highlighted by their joint adoption of a puppy named Cali in early 2026 — has led many fans to believe they are together in real life. They looked incredibly comfortable and happy during their joint return for the March 2026 crossover “The Reckoning.”
What’s Coming Next?
The big question everyone is asking: Is Soffer done with acting?
The answer appears to be no.
Soffer recently confirmed he has signed on for a new lead role in an upcoming independent thriller film set to shoot later this year. He described the project as “dark, character-driven, and very different from Halstead.” This will mark his first major on-camera role since leaving Chicago P.D.
Even more exciting for One Chicago fans: there are strong rumors that Soffer is in talks for a multi-episode arc return as Jay Halstead in the final episodes of Season 13 or even Season 14. Insiders say the story would deal with Halstead’s life after the Army and potentially tie into larger crossover events.
Jason Beghe, who recently left Chicago P.D. as a regular himself, fueled the speculation when he said in a new interview: “Jesse and I are talking about some really cool things. Let’s just say the door is wide open.”
Soffer himself addressed the rumors with his trademark dry humor: “I left the badge, but Chicago still feels like home. If the story is right, I’m not against putting the holster back on for a little while.”
The Bottom Line
Jesse Lee Soffer didn’t disappear after Chicago P.D. — he simply chose a healthier, more intentional path. He’s directing, traveling, creating music, building relationships, and carefully selecting his next acting projects.
While Halstead may never be a weekly fixture again, it looks like we haven’t seen the last of Jay Halstead… or Jesse Lee Soffer.
For fans who still miss the intense, loyal detective who stole so many hearts, there’s real hope on the horizon.
The question now isn’t whether he’ll return — it’s when and how big that return will be.