Several big-ticket free agents remain a fit for Bears |
Dustin Riese
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- Friday, May 09 2025
It has been a while since the Chicago Bears have added someone to their roster, but that isn't a surprise at this point in the offseason. With the NFL Draft being the primary focus for every team over the past month, things are starting to calm down, which means the next phase of the offseason programs can begin.
That includes Rookie Mini-Camps and OTAs, which will then take us to the start of Training Camp. In the weeks leading up to training camp, teams will once again dive into the free agent market to improve their team, as this is known as Phase 2 of the free agent period. This is when many of the bigger remaining names begin to settle on shorter contracts as they are just looking for a home to play football next season. When you look at the Bears and their roster needs, several big-name free agents remain a fit for this team, and it will be interesting to see if the Bears choose to bring any of them aboard. If they do, expect some internal roster shuffling to follow, as they may need to move on from certain players to add potential difference-makers next season.
As mentioned for the better part of the past few weeks, the Bears are still looking for running back depth despite what their current running back room looks like. D'Andre Swift is the go-to back for 2025 and, from all accounts, will be expected to shoulder the bulk of the carries in 2025. It's behind him that's the question, as the Bears don't have a great option should he go down. Roschon Johnson is in his third year, but after minimal production in his first two seasons, combined with an injury history, there are some questions about his value at this point. Chicago also drafted Kyle Monangai in the seventh round, and he is expected to battle it out with Johnson for the No. 2 spot. However, with Chubb and Dobbins still on the open market, it would be foolish for the Bears not to make a run at either of them.Nick Chubb/JK Dobbins
Both of them have dealt with significant injuries over the past few seasons, but they have also proven to bounce back and can easily take the load off of Swift this season. Either one of them would make the Bears' backfield one of the more potent units in the game, but they could be looking for starting opportunities, which won't happen in Chicago.
That is where Jamaal Williams and D'Onta Foreman come into play, as both of them are considered backup running backs and are still looking for homes. Foreman was with the Bears in 2023, and when he was called on to be their primary back, he proved he can handle an increased workload. Williams is one of those hard-nosed running backs who finds the end zone and is the perfect complementary piece for the Ben Johnson style of offense.
Not only could the Bears use more help in the running back room, but the pass rush still remains a concern, especially after failing to address that in the draft. Dennis Allen has confidence that the pass rush will improve from within this season, but you can't always count on in-house options to get things done.
Matthew Judon
May I suggest Matthew Judon, who is not only available once again but was also seen as a potential trade target last year. Chicago was in discussions with Judon throughout the 2024 offseason, and it seemed like the two sides came close to a deal, only to have the Falcons beat them out. The two-time Pro Bowler is two seasons removed from posting a 15.5 sack season with the Patriots, but after a 5.5 sack season in Atlanta in 2024, the Falcons elected not to bring him back.
His lack of production is a reason why he remains unsigned, but put in the right system, Judon is more than capable of reaching double-digit sacks.
Za'Darius Smith
Sticking with the Edge rush department, you have another option that has been linked to the Bears as recently as March in Smith. Another long-time veteran, Smith's best days are behind, but he is also one of those players who can still get after the quarterback.
After playing for the Lions, Packers, and Vikings over the past five seasons, Smith only has one stop left to complete the NFC North tour, and that is Chicago. Given his age and injury history, Smith is one of those players who may have to take a one-year deal, but if you can get 8-10 sacks out of him during that one year, it would be worth it as he would give Montez Sweat some much-needed protection.
Stephon Gilmore
Finally, a position that isn't considered a need, but could use one more depth piece, is cornerback, as the Bears have one of the best secondaries in the game. Already with Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon locked up long-term, the Bears know what they have for the foreseeable future, but they lack a veteran mentor who can provide them with some rest.
Not only is Gilmore a veteran who can fill that void, but he is a borderline Hall of Famer and has been one of the best ever to play the position. Gilmore was a late offseason pickup by the Vikings and went on to start in 15 games for them last season, recording one Interception. That brought his career total to 32 interceptions over 180 games, as he ranks among the leaders in interceptions for active players.
Given what happened with Tyrique Stevenson last season, there is no guarantee that he will make the roster this season, which could open the door for Gilmore. A one-year deal makes sense for a veteran like Gilmore, who works well in the type of man-coverage scheme that Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen traditionally runs, as he would bring a nice veteran presence to what is otherwise a young secondary room.
