7 NFL free agents who could improve the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have made enormous improvements since Ryan Poles took over the team in January 2022. With the free agency period and the 2024 NFL draft now complete, the final roster is becoming increasingly clear. While I don’t expect Poles to make any more immediate additions, the Bears do have some places where depth is needed.

Below are seven players that the Bears could have their eyes on once training camp starts.

Connor Williams, Center

Connor Williams was on his way to being one of the premier centers in the league before suffering a knee injury during the 2023 season. While the injury will likely sideline him for much of the 2024 season, he is still only 26 years old and should have his best football days ahead of him. The Bears did invest draft capital into Ryan Bates and spend some free agency money on Coleman Shelton, and they can certainly keep the position warm, allowing Williams to take his time and make a full recovery.

Dalton Risner, Offensive Guard

If the plan is to play Ryan Bates at center, then offensive guard is a clear position that needs some depth and stability. When healthy, Teven Jenkins is an absolute force, however, that is not something that can be relied upon. Also, Nate Davis had a disappointing first season in Chicago, but the Bears are in no position to replace him entirely as he is still currently locked into year two of a three-year deal, and would carry an $11 million cap hit. Risner could provide solid depth immediately. He can play either guard position and step in as a starter if need be. If the Bears are serious about keeping Caleb Williams upright, having solid line depth is a wise place to invest.

Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback

Tannehill is arguably the best available quarterback on the market, and the Bears could use some additional experience in that department. The Bears would be wise to snatch up the 35-year-old veteran as a piece to help strengthen the film room and provide guidance to both Caleb Williams and Tyson Bagent. While I don’t foresee a situation where Tannehill would play (I think the Bears have total faith in Bagent to come in for a game or two), he would be an extra quarterbacks coach and could provide some minor trade bait should a team lose a starter early in the season.

Carl Lawson, EDGE

Why is EDGE the only position that’s in all caps? Anyway, Lawson found himself to be the odd man out in a stacked Jets defensive line. While injuries did malign some of his career, he is still only 28 years old and boasted an 8.57 RAS (something Poles covets). It’s no secret that the Bears need another rusher opposite of Montez Sweat, and Lawson is someone who could push Walker for that spot or provide a nice rotational piece.

Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE

I know most reading this will likely skip over this one, and I couldn’t say I blame you. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t include Sweat’s rushing buddy from a year ago. Ngakoue’s disappointing season was brought to an end with an ankle injury that landed him on the IR. His production did improve once Sweat was brought in, and he would already be familiar with Flus’ defense. Ngakoue’s price might be just right as well, coming off of that injury.

Calais Campbell, Defensive Tackle

This would be a big splash by Ryan Poles and would leave little doubt that he believes the Bears are ready to compete this year. The 37-year-old defensive tackle played 17 games last year and finished with 56 tackles, 17 quarterback hits, a safety, a forced fumble, and 6.5 sacks. The Bears do have some investment in Gervon Dextor and Zacch Pickens, but Flus loves to rotate his defensive lineman, and having those two, along with Billings, would mean Campbell would not have to play every down. Old and expensive aren’t what Poles normally goes for, but I could see this move sending a message to the fans and the locker room.

BONUS WILDCARD PICK

Jonathon Allen, Defensive Tackle

The disgruntled Commanders star lineman has made no bones about his frustrations with the organization. The Commanders now have two linemen set to make over 15 million each and just drafted uber-disruptive Johnny Newton in the second round. Newton also happens to play the same position as Allen. While Allen is still a productive player and leader in the locker room, the team can save $15 million in cap space while taking on just $6 million in dead money by cutting him loose. If this were to happen, it would be wise to poke around and see his interest. Allen can be a plug-and-play into Flus’ system as a much-needed 3T, and also already has some familiarity with Sweat from their days together last year. This is a long shot, but hey, a boy can dream.