3 Unsigned Free Agents Who Would Upgrade Bears Defense

The Chicago Bears didn’t sign a single defensive free agent when the legal tampering period opened on Monday. General manager Ryan Poles had previously addressed the unit by signing recently released safety Kevin Byard.

The lone defensive-related occurrence on Monday saw now former Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones sign with the Arizona Cardinals. Poles needs to add additional talented defenders.

We’ve identified three potential options that currently remain unsigned.

D.J. READER, DT, CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Bears missed out on potential target Christian Wilkins, who signed a massive four-year, $110 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s tough to blame Poles for not beating that offer. The Bears still need to add a difference-making interior defensive lineman, though. D.J. Reader is arguably the best player left at the position. Reader is a dominant force that controls the line of scrimmage.

JOSH UCHE, EDGE, NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

An edge rusher is still required opposite Montez Sweat. Sweat recorded six sacks in nine regular-season appearances with the Bears following a midseason trade. Acquiring an appropriate running mate would further unlock Sweat’s potential in Chicago. High-end options like Brian Burns and Bryce Huff have already landed elsewhere. Josh Uche is most effective when pinning his ears back and rushing opposing quarterbacks. Uche experienced a down injury-impacted campaign in 2023, which could drive the price down and offer the Bears intriguing value. Uche will try to recapture the form that saw him accumulate 11.5 sacks in 2022.

TEAIR TART, DT, HOUSTON TEXANS

The Bears fielded an elite run defense that allowed a league-low 86.4 rushing yards per game last season. They can’t get complacent, however, especially after the Green Bay Packers signed running back Josh Jacobs. Teair Tart is an underrated nose tackle who’s difficult to displace as a 0—or 1-technique. Tart is an excellent fit for Matt Eberflus’ defense.