These Bears players will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the 2024 season

The Chicago Bears have experienced an exciting offseason, headlined by drafting quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze with a pair of top-10 selections. General manager Ryan Poles has also acquired several veterans via free agency and trade. Veteran wideout Keenan Allen arrived through trade, as did interior offensive lineman Ryan Bates. Jaylon Johnson signed a multi-year extension.

Poles signed several instant contributors in free agency, too. Running back D’Andre Swift, safety Kevin Byard, tight end Gerald Everett, and center Coleman Shelton are among the veteran signings. Poles used free agency to improve the Bears’ roster and 2024 season outlook.

The Bears lost veteran players to free agency as well. Defensive tackle Justin Jones signed with the Arizona Cardinals, creating a hole up the middle of the defense that needs to be filled by Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens. D’Onta Foreman and Darnell Mooney were among the outgoings, with Yannick Ngakoue currently remaining unsigned.

That summarizes how much roster turnover a franchise can experience in the offseason. With that in mind, it’s an outstanding time to look ahead to the Bears’ list of players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents once the 2024 campaign concludes. The Bears currently possess 24 players on expiring contracts. The full list was compiled here:

Pending Unrestricted Free Agents for #DaBears in 2025:

Who do you want to see make the final 53?
Who do you want to see extended?

Keenan Allen
Teven Jenkins
Khari Blasingame
Travis Homer
Larry Borom
Khalil Herbert
Patrick Scales
Coleman Shelton
Amen Ogbongbemiga
Jake Martin…

— Rob Schwarz Jr. (@ChiRuxinBGO) June 7, 2024

Poles could extend various players before the impending season arrives. Allen is a clear-cut candidate to receive an extension beyond 2024 after the Bears executed a blockbuster trade for his services earlier this offseason. The aging Allen could receive a multi-year extension that guarantees his placement on the Bears through 2025.

It’s also a big contract season for 2021 second-round pick Teven Jenkins. The former Oklahoma State standout failed to develop into the starting tackle the Bears envisioned he’d be, but he salvaged his career by making a successful transition to left guard. Jenkins was consistent for the Bears last season, and he could secure his long-term future with another eye-opening campaign at left guard in 2024.

It’s been an outstanding offseason for Poles. Another fruitful offseason next year could help the Bears position themselves as annual Super Bowl contenders. The decisions Poles makes when analyzing these players on expiring contracts will help dictate the Bears’ future.

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