As the Chicago Bears season ends in disappointment once again, it’s time to shift focus to the upcoming NFL free agency. With nearly $82 million in cap space, the Bears will have the money necessary to make some splash moves and impact signings during FA. That said, here are 20 free agent targets the Bears should keep an eye on.
Free Agent Targets the Bears Should Keep an Eye On
1. G Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Arguably the top free agent this spring, the Bears should do whatever they can to sign Trey Smith. A cornerstone of a Super Bowl-winning team, he’d bring stability and high-level performance to Chicago’s offensive line—if he reaches free agency.
Contract Projection: Four years, $90 million
2. EDGE Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
Time for a reunion? It’s not crazy to envision a scenario where the Bears bring back Khalil Mack. He is on the older side, but at the right price, he could be a huge asset at a much-needed position.
Contract Projection: Two years, $30 million
3. T Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens
A consistent top left tackle his whole career, if Ronnie Stanley wanted a fresh start somewhere else, the Bears should be interested.
Contract Projection: Two years, $14 million
4. EDGE Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles
The Bears have a chance to create the most expensive ‘Sweat’ edge-rushing duo in the NFL. Josh Sweat put up an underrated season, and will likely demand a hefty contract during free agency.
Contract Projection: Three years, $57 million
5. C Drew Dalman, Atlanta Falcons
Widely regarded as the best center available, Drew Dalman should be the top priority. He’s one of the top run-blocking centers in the NFL and would address a huge problem for the Bears.
Contract Projection: Three years, $36 million
6. G Mekhi Becton, Philadelphia Eagles
Transitioning from tackle to guard can be tricky, especially for a 6’7″ and 363 pounds lineman, but Mekhi Becton has revitalized his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. He could be an excellent addition to pair with Darnell Wright on the right side of the offensive line.
Contract Projection: Two years, $28 million
7. G James Daniels, Pittsburgh Steelers
Another reunion in Chicago perhaps? Ryan Poles should realize he made a mistake letting James Daniels leave, and bring him back to help shore up the offensive line.
Contract Projection: Three years, $42 million
8. G Kevin Zeitler, Detroit Lions
Kevin Zeitler could be a solid fallback if the Bears miss out on younger, high-profile linemen. If the Bears do hire Ben Johnson, maybe Zeitler would be inclined to join his former offensive coordinator in Chicago.
Contract Projection: One year, $5 million
9. DT Osa Odighizuwa, Dallas Cowboys
There’s a prime opportunity for Osa Odighizuwa to command a hefty contract given the scarcity of defensive tackles hitting the open market. If the Bears are serious about investing in the trenches, Odighizuwa is the top option in the interior.
Contract Projection: Three years, $42 million
10. DT Milton Williams, Philadelphia Eagles
An up-and-coming defensive tackle, Milton Williams has shined under the shadows of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. He’s another defensive tackle that’ll likely get a huge contract this offseason.
Contract Projection: Three years, $38 million
11. EDGE Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants
A young pass rusher with limitless potential, Azeez Ojulari could be the perfect pairing alongside Montez Sweat.
Contract Projection: Three years, $54 million
12. DT Levi Onwuzurike, Detroit Lions
Ranking among the best defensive tackles in pass-rush win rate, Onwuzurike could be a key addition to bolster Chicago’s defensive line.
Contract Projection: Two years, $20 million
13. EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, Indianapolis Colts
An underrated pass rusher, Dayo Odeyingbo should be flying up NFL team’s free agency board. Through 13 weeks, Odeyingbo had a career-high seven tackles for loss or no gain on only 66% of snaps played.
Contract Projection: Three years, $13.5 million
14. T Alaric Jackson, Los Angeles Rams
If the Bears believe it’s best to move on from Braxton Jones, Alaric Jackson has performed at a higher level despite being undrafted. The question is are the Bears willing to invest a ton of cap space on Jackson.
Contract Projection: Three years, $42 million
15. C Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts
Plan B if the Bears can’t sign Drew Dalman is Ryan Kelly. He’s on the older side but is an experienced center who could bring short-term stability to one of the most important positions on offense.
Contract Projection: 1 year, $9.5 million
16. EDGE Chase Young, New Orleans Saints
Reuniting Chase Young with Montez Sweat could solve the Bears’ edge-rushing woes. Young remains a productive player despite past injuries.
Contract Projection: Two years, $22 million
17. G Aaron Banks, San Francisco 49ers
Former second-round pick Aaron Banks has performed well for the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately for the 49ers, that means he’ll likely hit the open market. A younger option for the Bears that many people haven’t talked about, Banks could fortify the left side of the offensive line for years to come.
Contract Projection: Three years, $24 million
18. G Brady Christensen, Carolina Panthers
Brady Christensen’s versatility across the offensive line makes him a valuable plug-and-play option for the Bears. Plus, he’ll be on the cheaper side.
Contract Projection: Two years, $14 million
19. G Robert Jones, Miami Dolphins
Robert Jones is such an underrated free agent that no one has talked about. He can play multiple positions across the offensive line and could be a cost-effective addition for the Bears.
Contract Projection: Two years, $8.5 million
20. DT Bobby Brown III, Los Angeles Rams
Another underrated free agent, Bobby Brown III is overshadowed by the young stars in Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske in LA. He could look elsewhere for a bigger role next season, and that could be with the Bears.
Contract Projection: Two years, $12 million
Main Image: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports
