Bears Release QB Trevor Siemian
The Bears’ recent decision to add P.J. Walker to their quarterback room has resulted in a corresponding move. Per the transaction wire, Chicago has released Trevor Siemian. 
The 31-year-old had one year remaining on the deal he signed last offseason, which brought him to his fourth career NFL home. Siemian’s pact gave him his latest backup opportunity, having previously served in the No. 2 role with the Jets and Saints. His career has seen him bounce around since his tenure as the Broncos’ starter came to an end in 2017.
Siemian joined a Bears team which had affirmed Justin Fields as the undisputed starter heading into the season, so it came as little surprise that he was limited to just one start and two appearances. The veteran completed 57% of his passes and complied a passer rating of 76.4 in that time. That performance left his roster status in question entering the offseason.
No guaranteed money was due in 2023 for the former seventh-rounder, making this release an easy one on the Bears’ part. Cutting Siemian will result in $1.965MM in savings while generating a dead money charge of $500K. Turning to Walker will give the team a younger option in the No. 2 spot, though likely not much more in the way of upside.
Now a member of the free agent pool, Siemian faces a shrinking number of potential suitors. The past few days have seen a slew of backup quarterback moves, as teams shake-up their depth charts under center ahead of the draft. That could leave Siemian waiting a while for his next opportunity in the NFL, as he looks to catch on with a fifth career team in the near future.
Bears, RB D’Onta Foreman Agree To Deal
The Bears have lost their starting running back from the past few seasons, but they have moved quickly to find a new member of their backfield. Chicago is signing running back D’Onta Foreman to a one-year, $3MM deal (Twitter link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). 
David Montgomery is set for a move within the NFC North, having agreed to a lucrative deal with the Lions earlier in free agency. His departure from the Windy City was expected, given his production, the Bears’ many needs elsewhere on the roster and the availability of several other capable backs in this year’s free agent class. Now, Chicago has found a low-cost replacement.
Foreman, 26, made his first foray outside the AFC South last year by joining the Panthers following two-year stints with the Texans and Titans, respectively. His play as Derrick Henry‘s backup led to the expectation that he could put up noteworthy production in the event he were to be given the opportunity to serve as a No. 1 in his new home.
That seemed unlikely while the Panthers had Christian McCaffrey at the top of their depth chart, but the team’s decision to trade him away before the deadline left Foreman with the chance to lead the team’s rushing attack. He totaled 914 yards on the ground in 2022; that represented by far the highest mark of his career. The fact that he also set a new personal mark with a yards per carry average of 4.5 pointed to his potential to remain efficient while taking on workhorse duties.
In the build-up to free agency, it was reported that the former third-rounder was expected to be a hot commodity on the open market. The Panthers’ decision to sign Miles Sanders proved that Foreman would need to head elsewhere to have a chance at remaining the lead back in his new home. This deal will give him the chance to do that, as he will compete with Khalil Herbert for the top spot on the Bears’ depth chart.
Bears Sign DT Andrew Billings
The Bears are adding to their defensive line. Chicago is signing defensive tackle Andrew Billings, according to agency SportsTrust Advisors (on Twitter).
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweets that Billings will be getting a one-year deal worth $3.5MM. The contract includes $2.4MM in guaranteed money.
Billings opted out of the 2020 season and got into only six games with the Browns in 2021 before getting cut loose. He caught on with the Raiders last offseason and had his strongest showing since 2019. The defensive lineman ultimately started all 14 of his appearances, compiling 39 tackles and one sack. Pro Football Focus gave him high marks for his 2022 performance, ranking him 16th among 127 qualifying interior defenders.
The likes of Justin Jones, Mike Pennel, and Angelo Blackson didn’t rank nearly as high among interior defenders, so Billings should provide a temporary upgrade. The Bears have been busy adding to their defense this offseason, signing linebacker T.J. Edwards, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker.
Bears To Sign TE Robert Tonyan
After spending six seasons with the Packers, Robert Tonyan is moving to a division rival. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the tight end is signing with the Bears.
After not catching on with the Lions as an undrafted free agent, Tonyan joined the Packers in 2017. He didn’t play as a rookie and most appeared on special teams as a sophomore, but the tight end started to get some work on offense in 2019.
He had his breakout season in 2020, hauling in 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was hit with a second-round tender (and a sizable pay raise) the following offseason, but he only got into eight games in 2021 before tearing his ACL. Tonyan managed to return and appear in all 17 games this past year, collecting a career-high 53 receptions for 470 yards and two touchdowns.
Pro Football Focus has never been a fan of Tonyan, but that’s partly due to his abysmal blocking score. He’ll probably be on the field for sets that call for a pair of tight ends, with the free agent acquisition pairing with 2022 starter Cole Kmet.
The Packers offense will look a whole lot different next season with Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard, and likely Randall Cobb out the door. Tight end Marcedes Lewis is also a free agent, potentially opening up snaps for former third-round pick Josiah Deguara.
Bears To Sign QB P.J. Walker
P.J. Walker is heading to Chicago. The Bears have reached an agreement with the free agent quarterback, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
Walker was an impending restricted free agent but was ultimately non-tendered by the Panthers. Walker’s camp apparently moved quickly, with Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com tweeting that the QB is signing a two-year deal with Chicago. The deal has a max value of $5MM and includes a $1MM signing bonus.
The 2017 undrafted free agent out of Temple spent the past three seasons with the Panthers. The organization gave him a starting look each season, with the Panthers going 4-3 in those seven contests. In total, Walker has completed 57.5 percent of his pass attempts for 1,461 yards, five touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Walker got an extended look this past season, starting five games for the Panthers. He finished the campaign having tossed three touchdowns vs. three interceptions. That long look partly convinced the Panthers to look elsewhere this offseason, and the writing was on the wall when the organization acquired the No. 1 pick (which will presumably be used on a QB) and signed veteran quarterback Andy Dalton.
So, Walker is off to Chicago, where he’ll presumably serve as Justin Fields‘ backup. The team is also still rostering Trevor Siemian, who inked a two-year deal with the team last offseason.
Raiders, Texans Discussed No. 1 Pick With Bears
Unsurprisingly, the Bears spoke with multiple teams about the No. 1 pick before trading the selection to the Panthers. Jeff Howe of The Athletic tweets that the Raiders called the Bears about the first-overall pick, while Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports (via Twitter) that the Texans also held discussions with the Bears.
The Texans are armed with a pair of first-round picks (No. 2 and No. 12), meaning the organization had more than enough ammo to pull off a trade. Presumably, the front office didn’t want to overpay to move up just one spot, and the Texans will now have to hope that the Panthers don’t land on their preferred quarterback. We previously heard that the Texans were very high on Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, and Houston may end up getting their way if Carolina opts for Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.
Howe clarifies that the Raiders never got into serious negotiations with the Bears about the first-overall pick. However, the Raiders’ interest reinforces how the organization “explored every avenue” at the QB position (as Howe points out). Earlier today, Howe tweeted that the Raiders organization even reached out to the Packers about quarterback Aaron Rodgers as they evaluated their post-Derek Carr options. Ultimately, the Raiders landed on Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Panthers ultimately pulled off the trade for the first-overall pick, sending Chicago a pair of first-round picks, a pair of second-round picks, and wide receiver D.J. Moore.
Bears To Sign RB Travis Homer
Shortly after losing their starting running back, the Bears have added at the position. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that Chicago has agreed to a deal with running back Travis Homer. Homer got a two-year deal worth a maximum of $4.5MM, per Schefter.
[RELATED: Lions To Sign RB David Montgomery]
David Montgomery started 43 games for the Bears over the past three years, including 16 starts in 2022. However, the former third-round pick left for the Lions earlier this evening, opening up a significant spot on the depth chart.
Homer shouldn’t be expected to carry the load in Chicago, but he’ll provide the coaching staff with some dependable depth at the position. The former sixth-round pick has seen time in 49 games for Seattle over the past four seasons. He had his best season in 2021, finishing with 338 yards from scrimmage. He followed that up with a 2022 campaign that saw him compile 231 offensive yards and one touchdown.
The Bears probably aren’t done adding at the position, but it’s noteworthy that they didn’t look to immediately replace Montgomery with another big name. This bodes well for Khalil Herbert‘s ability to earn the starting gig in 2023. The former sixth-round pick has been productive in his three starts over the past two years, topping 100 yards from scrimmage in each of those contests.
In Seattle, the Seahawks will be eyeing a slightly different RB depth chart in 2023 with Homer gone and Rashaad Penny joining the Eagles. The Seahawks will surely be looking for some additional depth behind Kenneth Walker and DeeJay Dallas.
Bears, DL DeMarcus Walker Agree To Deal
As expected, the Bears have been a steady presence during the legal tampering period’s opening hours. They will stay at it, bolstering their defensive line.
Chicago will add veteran interior D-lineman DeMarcus Walker, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. Walker has bounced around since his Broncos rookie contract expired, but he played well as a rotational pass rusher with the Titans last season. As a result, Garafolo adds the former second-round pick is expected to draw more than $7MM per year on a three-year agreement (Twitter link). It is a three-year, $21MM pact, Jeff Howe of The Athletic tweets.
Teaming with pass rushers Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry, Walker enjoyed a career year in Nashville. He racked up seven sacks — three north of his previous career high — and 16 QB hits; the Florida State product had never previously tallied more than seven in a season. Walker could be on track to land a starting role next season, depending on how the rest of the Bears’ offseason goes. Chicago entered the week with holes across its defense.
This is Walker’s first multiyear deal since his rookie contract. The Broncos moved him around the formation during his first four seasons, though he has been predominantly used as an interior D-lineman. The Bears traded Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn last year, while also releasing Eddie Goldman and letting Akiem Hicks walk in free agency. As a result, their pass rush was thoroughly unproductive during the 3-14 campaign. Chicago finished with 20 sacks, and no one from its front seven topped the three-sack mark.
Walker joins Titans teammate Nate Davis as Windy City-bound. The four-year Tennessee guard starter signed a three-year deal with Chicago earlier Monday. As far as the D-line goes, the Bears have work to do. They also traded out of the top spot in the draft, and the team going to No. 9 will likely leave them outside the Will Anderson–Jalen Carter range. Walker, 28, will be expected to contribute, but the Bears — who entered Monday with the NFL’s most cap space — will need more help along their defensive front this offseason. Some of the top pieces — Javon Hargrave, Dre’Mont Jones, Zach Allen, Marcus Davenport — have already agreed to terms elsewhere.
Bears, G Nate Davis Agree To Terms
The Bears will use some of their league-leading cap-space total on their offensive line. They are signing former Titans guard Nate Davis, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
Davis agreed to a three-year deal to head to Chicago. Although the Bears have Cody Whitehair under contract and saw some positive signs from tackle convert Teven Jenkins last season, they are signing one of the better guards available on the market.
Continuing a Titans O-line overhaul, Davis will depart Nashville for a $30MM Chicago accord, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. The fifth-year guard will see $19.25MM guaranteed. This is a nice payday for Davis, who earned mixed reviews in 2022. But the former Titans third-round pick supplies extensive experience and will still join the Bears on what is effectively a midlevel guard deal.
Football Outsiders charged Davis with allowing an alarming eight sacks in 2022, and ESPN classified him as below average in run block win rate. But Davis also slotted in the top 25 in ESPN’s pass block win rate metric last season. And he held a vital role in helping Derrick Henry secure back-to-back rushing titles. Davis, 26, started 54 games in Tennessee and has consistently graded well, via Pro Football Focus, which slotted Davis as a top-25 O-linemen in each of the past three seasons (17th in 2022).
Jenkins graded as PFF’s No. 3 overall guard in 2022, showing considerable promise despite being a quick disappointment at tackle and drawing trade rumors early in Poles’ tenure. Whitehair has been with Chicago since 2016; he is under contract through 2025. It will be interesting to see how the Bears proceed here. Barring a Jenkins move back to right tackle or a Whitehair shift to center — where he started his NFL career — it would seem the Davis addition will lead to a shakeup at guard.
The Titans’ O-line situation goes well beyond “shakeup,” with Davis representing the third starter the unit is losing this offseason. The Titans released Taylor Lewan and Ben Jones and have 17-game guard starter Aaron Brewer unsigned. Unless new Tennessee GM Ran Carthon retains Brewer, 2022 third-rounder Nicholas Petit-Frere will be the only starter back up front for the retooling team.
Bears To Sign LB T.J. Edwards
The Bears have struck first in the tampering period of free agency. They are set to sign linebacker T.J. Edwards to a three-year deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (on Twitter). 
Rapoport adds that the pact is worth $19.5MM, and includes $12MM guaranteed (Twitter link). Doug Kyed of A to Z Sports tweets that Edwards will receive a $4.5MM signing bonus, and have nearly all of his compensation for the first two years guaranteed. That represents a sizable investment in the team’s linebacking corps, but Chicago has the spending power to make a number of other additions in the coming days. This will surely not be the last deal aimed at boosting the Bears’ front seven.
The 26-year-old was one of the headliners in this year’s free agent LB class, arguably representing the top option aside from Tremaine Edmunds. Especially since the latter has reportedly agreed to a massive deal of his own, the Edwards addition demonstrates how committed GM Ryan Poles has been to upgrading at the position and how willing he is to spend at one which is generally undervalued.
Chicago had Roquan Smith at the heart of their linebacking corps heading into the 2022 season, but his trade request cast doubt on the team’s ability to retain him beyond his contract year. They dealt him to the Ravens at the trade deadline, clearing up the money needed to pursue Edwards and Edmunds, but also creating a major need on defense to properly execute head coach Matt Eberflus‘ scheme. These additions will go a long way to filling that gap.
Edwards took on a more significant role in the Eagles’ defense with each successive year of his career. He topped 1,000 snaps in 2022, starting all 17 games in the regular season. He comfortably set a new career-high in tackles with 159, adding a pair of sacks and seven pass breakups. His age gave him higher upside that a number of older, more accomplished ‘backers, so it comes as little surprise that he was an immediate target of the Bears.
Chicago entered the free agency frenzy with the most cap space in the league, giving them the ability to make numerous splashes on the open market. The additions of Edwards, Edmunds, offensive lineman Nate Davis, not to mention the acquisition of wideout D.J. Moore as part of last week’s blockbuster trade, should set the Bears up for a significant step forward in 2023.