Pro Football Rumors

Free agency additions:

• Dayo Odeyingbo, DE. Three years, $48MM ($29.5MM guaranteed)
• Grady Jarrett, DT. Three years, $42.75MM ($27.25MM guaranteed)
• Drew Dalman, C. Three years, $42MM ($26.5MM guaranteed)
• Case Keenum, QB. One year, $2.25MM ($2.16MM guaranteed)
• Durham Smythe, TE. One year, $2.5MM ($1.5MM guaranteed)
• Olamide Zaccheaus, WR. One year, $1.5MM ($750K guaranteed)
• Devin Duvernay, WR. One year, $1.28MM ($168K guaranteed)
• Nick McCloud, CB. One year, $1.32MM ($50K guaranteed)
• Tre Flowers, DB. One year, $1.26MM
• Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE. Signed 7/22

Entering March with plenty of available funds, the Bears were not shy about adding on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Considering the team’s struggles up front and its impact on Caleb Williams’ struggles, along with a poor showing against the run in 2024, making investments in this area represented a sensible approach. Each of the top three additions are set to play out their deals while Williams is attached to his rookie contract.

The Colts have routinely spent big – in terms of draft capital and finances – along the defensive front. General manager Chris Ballard committed to a shift in roster-building this spring, though, so to little surprise Odeyingbo departed on the open market. An Achilles tear suffered shortly before the 2021 draft limited Odeyingbo to 10 games as a rookie. Since then, he has yet to miss a game.

Odeyingbo alternated between defensive tackle and defensive end during his Colts stint as the team looked to utilize his 6-foot-6, 286-pound frame. While taking on an incrementally larger workload each passing year, he totaled 16.5 sacks, 62 QB pressures and 21 tackles for loss in Indianapolis. The former second-rounder will primarily be counted on to operate along the edge with the Bears as a complement to Montez Sweat. If needed, though, Odeyingbo could see time on the interior as well.

Chicago has the cap space to afford further additions amongst the remaining free agents in the pass rush market, but with none expected barring injuries during training camp, the Bears’ incumbent depth options are positioned for a notable role. In particular, Austin Booker will be a name to watch in 2025. Still, Sweat’s ability to produce as one of the foundational members of the team’s defense will be key in determining Chicago’s success. That, in turn, will be influenced greatly by Odeyingbo’s level of play upon arrival.

Despite Jarrett being the Falcons’ longest-tenured defensive player, his future was uncertain entering the new league year. Atlanta showed interest in moving on via trade, but no deal took place. A cost-shedding release ensued after no agreement could be reached with respect to a pay cut. Jarrett banked on his market being strong enough for a deal from a new team to outpace the value of a reduced Falcons accord; that proved to be a worthwhile approach.

At 32, Jarrett did well to lock in nearly all of his $14.25MM in base pay for the 2026 campaign at signing. This represents a bit of an unusually soft landing for an 10-year veteran, especially one with an ACL tear in the not-so-distant past (October 2023).

The former Falcons Pro Bowler will be tasked with maintaining a high level of through his 11th and 12th NFL seasons as a result, but if he can do so the Bears will see an uptick in production at the D-tackle spot. Gervon Dexter and Andrew Billings are still in place from last year, and 2023 third-rounder Zacch Pickens is in line to reprise a rotational role. The additions of Jarrett (and Odeyingbo, at least to an extent) should nevertheless help a run defense which ranked 28th in 2024.

Having logged a full campaign in five of the past six years, Jarrett’s durability should not be a concern upon arrival in the Windy City. The two-time Pro Bowler has topped 2.5 sacks only once since 2021, meaning he may not serve as a key presence in the pass-rush department. Even so, Jarrett should serve as a welcomed addition as the Bears look to stabilize their defensive front and take a needed step forward in 2025.

A critical part of that effort will of course be the play of Chicago’s renovated offensive line. Having added pair of new guards via trade, the team remained a primary suitor for Dalman. The top center in free agency, he hit the market with the Falcons preferring to promote Ryan Neuzil to a starting role.

Shortly before the negotiating window opened, the Bears were understandably named as a strong candidate to sign Dalman. A three-year starter, Dalman’s missed time in 2024 due to an ankle injury did not lead to difficulty in securing eight figures with respect to AAV on the open market. Other suitors emerged (including the Patriots), but Dalman elected to remain in the NFC while playing out his second contract.

The 26-year-old ranked 14th in terms of PFF grade during the 2022 campaign, his first atop the center depth chart. Dalman has landed in the top four each of the past two years, so he will be expected to remain one of the best (if somewhat unheralded) performers at the position moving forward. Like Jarrett, Dalman already has most of his 2026 compensation locked in before a potential out in advance of the final year of the deal.

Keenum missed all of 2024 while recovering from a foot injury. Now healthy, he will look to survive roster cuts by potentially earning the backup gig. Given his guarantees, Keenum certainly does not possess a contract which is release-proof heading into the summer. Nonetheless, keeping him in place would allow for the more economically feasible release of Tyson Bagent at the end of training camp (presuming only two QBs are carried on the initial 53-man roster, of course).

As a familiar face to Ben Johnson – based on their time together with the Dolphins – Smythe was a logical tight end target after his Miami release. The wideout additions will also provide pass-catching depth, although both Zaccheaus (coming off a career-high 45 receptions) and Duvernay (one of many Jaguars cuts) offer value in the return game in addition to a potential WR3 role.

Re-signings:

• Josh Blackwell, CB. Two years, $5MM ($2.45MM guaranteed)
• Amen Ogbongbemiga, LB. Two years, $5MM ($2.45MM guaranteed)
• Travis Homer, RB. One year, $1.75MM ($1MM guaranteed)
• Scott Daly, LS. One year, $1.38MM ($168K guaranteed)
• Doug Kramer, C. One year, $1.03MM
• Stephen Carlson, TE. One year, $1.03MM
• Chris Williams, DL (RFA tender)

While the Bears will have a number of new starters on offense and defense, their special teams units will largely carry over compared to 2024. Maintaining continuity in the third phase was an obvious goal for Chicago, and expectations will be high in that capacity as a result. Blackwell has yet to carve out a regular role on defense, but over the course of his three seasons with the team he has emerged as a core special teams presence.

The addition of new returner options in free agency will lessen the chances of Blackwell being able to duplicate his punt-return touchdown from last season (off a trick play), but he will still be counted on as an anchor on coverage and return units. The same is true of Ogbongbemiga, who logged a snap share of 84% on special teams during his debut Bears campaign. The former Charger will give his current team an inexpensive depth option at the linebacker spot while remaining a key figure in every special teams situation.

Homer did not receive any offensive touches in 2023, his first campaign with the Bears. The 26-year-old was slightly more involved last season (75 snaps) but as expected he was again a regular on special teams. That will no doubt continue moving forward in his case and that of Hardy. Defensive back Elijah Hicks has one year remaining on his rookie contract, and he will join the aforementioned third-phase contributors as a central figure in that capacity for at least one more season. Chicago will look for improvements offensively and defensively with a vastly different coaching staff in 2025, but returning ST coordinator Richard Hightower will have a number of familiar faces to work with.

Notable losses:

• Larry Borom, T
• DeAndre Carter, WR
• Byron Cowart, DL
• Jake Curhan, OL
• Darrynton Evans, RB
• Gerald Everett, TE (released)
• Teven Jenkins, G
• Collin Johnson, WR
• Jaylon Jones, CB
• Jacob Martin, DE
• Tarvarius Moore, S (released)
• Matt Pryor, OL
• Jereme Robinson, DE (waived)
• Jack Sanborn, LB
• Coleman Shelton, C
• Darrell Taylor, DE
• DeMarcus Walker, DE (released)

The aggressive pursuit of three new O-line starters foreshadowed numerous departures up front. Jenkins is the most notable of the blockers who left on the open market, although that was not for a lack of effort regarding a new Bears accord.

Since the end of the 2023 campaign, Jenkins’ camp made efforts to work out an extension. No traction was gained, although a second Chicago contract was still a target midway through last season. The former Ryan Pace draftee struggled with injuries and poor play as a rookie tackle, but moving inside produced strong PFF evaluations. With Pace’s successor preferring outside candidates to fill the guard spots (after already moving on from Nate Davis in November), however, Jenkins landed a new opportunity elsewhere.

The 27-year-old checked in at No. 19 on PFR’s Free Agent list and appeared to be positioned to benefit from the recent upward movement in the guard market. Interest came in, but after the Giants balked Jenkins wound up signing only a one-year deal with the Browns. That pact contains just $2.67MM guaranteed, but it could set up a stronger market next spring if he can remain healthy.

Of the four other offensive linemen who left in free agency, Shelton is the one most assured of a starting gig in 2025. After handling first-team center duties during his lone Chicago campaign, the five-year Rams contributor returned to Los Angeles. His two-year deal was worked out not long after another center candidate – Jonah Jackson – was acquired by the Bears. Shelton produced a career-best PFF grade in 2024, ranking 12th amongst centers. That did not lead to an extended stay in the Windy City.

The decision to move on from Walker yielded notable cap savings and ended his two-year Bears stint. The former Bronco, Texan and Titan started 29 of his 35 Chicago games, and in that time he managed seven sacks and 45 pressures. Walker drew interest from a pair of teams prior to the draft, but he has yet to land a deal. The Bears will certainly hope to enjoy stronger production from their replacements along the edge.

Sanborn, 24, never handled a defensive snap share above 39% during his three Bears seasons, and his workload on that side of the ball was at its lowest last year. Still, departing for the Cowboys created a vacancy at the linebacker spot and especially on special teams. A number of returning third-phase contributors will help provide continuity in that regard, but losing Sanborn could hurt Chicago’s unit while leaving the team without a veteran linebacker contributor.

Everett’s connections to Shane Waldron foreshadowed a release. The latter’s midseason firing helped lead to the former notching just eight scoreless catches during his one-and-done Bears slate. Everett was let go with one year remaining on his pact in a move which allowed for a fresh start on both sides.

Extensions and restructures:

• Agreed to three-year, $40MM extension ($28MM guaranteed) with CB Kyler Gordon
• Extended LB T.J. Edwards on two-year, $20MM deal ($16.6MM guaranteed)

Last offseason, Jaylon Johnson landed a $19MM-per-year deal after receiving the franchise tag. That agreement ensured he will remain an anchor in Chicago’s secondary for years to come and allowed the Bears to turn their attention to a Gordon commitment in 2025.

The Washington product was named multiple times as a target for an extension. As such, it came as no surprise the Bears authorized a second straight big-ticket CB deal. Prior to signing the deal, Gordon noted his versatility as a factor helping his financial value, and Dennis Allen intends to experiment with him in spots other than slot corner. Of course, as the league’s top earner at that niche role, Gordon will be counted on to at least remain a consistent performer along the interior.

The Bears struggled against the run in 2024, but after ranking 16th in passing yards allowed there is certainly room for improvement on the back end as well. Gordon – who has five interceptions to his name but also a track record of less-than-desirable coverage stats stemming from his role – will be a figure to watch as Allen’s unit looks to take a step forward. The 25-year-old has plenty of runway to develop in whichever way(s) he is used given the terms of his new deal.

General manager Ryan Poles was in place when Gordon was drafted, and he was also responsible for signing Edwards in free agency. Days after one defensive extension, the team finalized the other. Edwards took on a larger defensive workload with each passing season while playing out his rookie deal with the Eagles. His production made him a Chicago target even though the team also brought on Tremaine Edmunds via free agency during the same spring.

Edwards has yet to miss a game during his Bears tenure. The former UDFA has continued to fill the statsheet (294 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four interceptions) with his second team, making it no surprise Poles was willing to avoid a potential 2026 departure. Edmunds has two years left on his pact (although the accord does not include salary guarantees for 2026), so he and Edwards will remain second-level starters moving forward.

The Bears’ third linebacker spot serves as a key question entering the season. Training camp will see several competitors vie for a starting gig, with fourth-round rookie Ruben Hyppolite among the names to watch. Regardless of how that shakes out over the summer, though, Edwards will look to remain a steady contributor. If he can, an AAV tied for 15th at the position will certainly prove to be team-friendly.

Draft:

• Round 1, No. 10: Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 39 (from Panthers): Luther Burden (WR, Missouri) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 56 (from Vikings through Texans and Bills): Ozzy Trapilo (T, Boston College) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 62: Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M) (signed)
• Round 4, No. 132 (from Bills): Ruban Hyppolite (LB, Maryland) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 169 (from Bills)*: Zah Frazier (CB, Texas-San Antonio) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 195 (from Steelers through Rams): Luke Newman (G, Michigan State) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 233 (from Bengals): Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers) (signed)

While pass-catching additions headline the Bears’ rookie class, making a splash at another skill position was the team’s initial target. Leading up to the draft, it became clear Chicago was enamored with running back Ashton Jeanty. That interest came with the caveat that a fall to the No. 10 spot was highly unlikely.

Aside from simply hoping the Heisman runner-up slid that far, the Bears made calls about a move up the top-10 order. Their target in such a maneuver was Jeanty, who enjoyed a stellar junior campaign at Boise State and helped lead the team to the College Football Playoff. With no deal being worked out to make him an eventual D’Andre Swift successor, Jeanty expectedly wound up hearing his name called sixth overall and he will start his career with the Raiders.

With their primary target off the board, the Bears stood pat at No. 10 to take Loveland. That decision came in the wake of trade interest from teams looking to move up for the 2023 national champion. Loveland reportedly overtook fellow first-rounder Tyler Warren as the top tight end in the class shortly before the draft.

While limited to 10 games in 2024, Loveland set new career highs in receptions (56) and touchdowns (five). His yards per catch total dropped considerably compared to his first two years – during which the Wolverines had J.J. McCarthy at quarterback – but that did not stop Loveland (who was medically cleared in time for training camp) from spending the build-up to the draft as a worthwhile offensive target. He will look to give Chicago a new pass-catching option in the middle of the field while working in tandem with veteran Cole Kmet, who is under contract for the next three years.

Both D.J. Moore and 2024 No. 9 pick Rome Odunze are still in place for the coming season. They will be tasked with handling much of the pass-game load, and the latter could be primed for a Year 2 jump. Even if that takes place, Burden could emerge as a reliable complementary option. As expected, a down year last season resulted in a drop to the second round in his case.

Nevertheless, Burden was among the Round 2 members of the 2025 draft class to receive a fully guaranteed rookie contract. That will elevate expectations as he looks to return to the form shown during his sophomore campaign. Especially if Burden manages to carve out a role in the slot, he should find himself a regular in Chicago’s offense in short order.

Four starting positions on the Bears’ offensive line are accounted for at this point. Only left tackle remains to be sorted out, and head coach Ben Johnson has confirmed an open competition will take place. Trapilo will find himself contesting the LT gig with returnees Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie during training camp. Jones should have the edge based on his experience, but the door is open to Trapilo earning the Week 1 nod with his summer performances. Jones is also in a contract year, putting Trapilo — in the event he cannot unseat the incumbent this summer — in line for a 2026 first-string role.

At a minimum, a swing tackle role could be in store in his case for 2025. Likewise, Turner should be able to handle a backup gig along the defensive interior as a rookie. A path to a first-team spot could open once Chicago’s more established D-tackles depart or see a reduced workload in the coming years.

Other:

• QB Caleb Williams confirmed pre-draft Bears hesitation
• WR Keenan Allen open to continuing career in Chicago
• Claimed G Jordan McFadden off waivers (from Chargers)
• Retained nine practice squad players (including QB Austin Reed) via reserve/futures contracts
• Signed 10 UDFAs

In their 105 seasons to date, the Bears have yet to produce a 4,000-yard passer. That fact was well known to Williams and his father Carl leading up to the 2024 draft. Williams’ camp explored a number of options in a bid to avoid winding up in Chicago, with thought being given to playing outside the NFL for one season and thus avoiding the draft altogether. Such a move was avoided, but not before a desire emerged on Williams’ part to work alongside Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.

The 2024 season saw O’Connell earn Coach of the Year honors after his surprising success with Sam Darnold under center. A pairing with Williams certainly would have been intriguing given the pieces in place for Minnesota, but it became clear relatively quickly Chicago would not consider trading the top pick. With Williams set to begin his career in the Windy City, he has since doubled down on his commitment to the Bears in light of his initial thoughts going public.

Three years remain on the Oklahoma and USC product’s rookie contract, and a fifth-year option could be coupled with a long-term extension if things go as planned. Questions about wariness on Williams’ part regarding the Bears are largely a moot point after the fact; still, they could of course be mentioned if he does not develop into the franchise passer he was drafted to be.

Allen turned aside efforts from the new Chargers regime to work out a pay cut in 2024. That was an understandable approach coming off a career-high 1,243 yards, but it ultimately resulted in a trade to the Bears. Playing out the remainder of his pact, the six-time Pro Bowler made it clear on multiple occasions that he would welcome a stay in Chicago past 2025. It obviously seems unlikely that will wind up happening, but Allen’s future should become clear in the near future after he posted a 70-744-7 statline last season.

Top 10 cap charges for 2025:

1. Montez Sweat, DE: $25.09MM
2. D.J. Moore, WR: $24.9MM
3. Jaylon Johnson, CB: $21MM
4. Tremaine Edmunds, LB: $17.44MM
5. Jonah Jackson, RG: $14.75MM
6. Drew Dalman, C: $13.64MM
7. Cole Kmet, TE: $11.6MM
8. D’Andre Swift, RB: $9.33MM
9. Caleb Williams, QB: $8.97MM
10. Kevin Byard, S: $8.5MM

Every player listed (except for Byard) is also on the books for next season with little or no scheduled changes to their cap hits for 2026. That will give Poles and Co. plenty of flexibility to make further moves while Williams remains attached to his rookie deal. Swift will be a cut candidate next offseason in advance of the final year of his contract, meaning running back could be a position to watch regarding a high-profile addition.

With an overhauled coaching staff and upgrades along the offensive and defensive fronts, it is not difficult to envision an improved performance from all involved with the Bears in 2025. The problem, of course, is the fact the NFC North’s other three teams combined to win 40 games last year and will each be expected to remain among the conference’s top contenders moving forward. The path to a Chicago playoff spot will still be narrow even if the intended progress is made.

Given the new commitment to Poles, the Bears are locked into a multiyear approach with he and Johnson at the helm. If Williams can reach his ceiling, that tandem will be in a strong position for many years to come. Struggles in his development, on the other hand, could derail the team’s latest attempt at achieving sustained success.