With NFL free agency around the corner, the Bears must invest in various positions with nearly $74 million in cap space. The reality is most high-profile free agents won’t come cheap, and with multiple holes in the roster, the Bears have to be smart with their money. As much as the Bears need to invest in high-profile free agents, there must be a balance between stars and depth players. That said, here are 10 hidden gems the Bears should consider during free agency.
10 Under-the-Radar Free Agents the Bears Could Target
RB Patrick Taylor, San Francisco 49ers
- Age: 26 | Height/Weight: 6’3″, 217 lbs | Yards Per Attempt: 4.7
Patrick Taylor stepped up for the 49ers after injuries decimated their backfield, scoring his first touchdown against the Bears. Though his opportunities were limited, his size and athleticism make him an intriguing complement to D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.
WR Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders
- Age: 25 | Height/Weight: 6’0″, 195 lbs | 2024 Stats: 30 Receptions, 308 Yard
Often overlooked in Washington, Dyami Brown shined in the Commanders’ wild-card win over Tampa Bay, catching all five targets for 89 yards and a touchdown. He’s a potential option if the Bears move on from Keenan Allen.
OG Robert Jones, Miami Dolphins
- Age: 25 | Height/Weight: 6’4″, 334 lbs | Snaps Played: 1,080
Strengthening the offensive line should be a top priority. Robert Jones, a key Dolphins starter, could be a valuable addition if the Bears miss out on high-profile linemen like Trey Smith or Mekhi Becton.
TE Stone Smartt, Los Angeles Chargers
- Age: 26 | Height/Weight: 6’4″, 226 lbs | 2024 Stats: 16 Receptions, 208 Yards
A former quarterback turned tight end, Stone Smartt has shined with limited action. With an impressive 8.94 RAS score, he could be a solid depth option behind Cole Kmet.
OG Aaron Banks, San Francisco 49ers
- Age: 27 | Height/Weight: 6’5″, 325 lbs | Snaps Played: 775
Notre Dame linemen typically thrive in the NFL, and Aaron Banks is no exception. While not on Quenton Nelson’s level, he’s been a reliable presence for the 49ers and could solidify the Bears’ offensive line at the right price.
DT Teair Tart, Los Angeles Chargers
- Age: 27 | Height/Weight: 6’2″, 304 lbs | 2024 Stats: 29 Tackles, 11 Hurries, 1 Sack
The Bears could use some beef in the middle of the defensive line, and Teair Tart fits the mold. PFF’s 17th highest-rated defensive tackle out of 219 DLs, Tart enjoyed a solid season with the Chargers. Pairing him alongside Gervon Dexter Sr. when Andrew Billings needs to rest could be too much to handle for opposing offensive lines.
EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, Indianapolis Colts
- Age: 25 | Height/Weight: 6’6″, 286 lbs | 2024 Stats: 31 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 42 Pressures
The Bears need help attacking the quarterback, and Dayo Odeyingbo would be a great option. This season, Odeyingbo recorded 22 tackles, 11 QB hits, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He could be an underrated option to pair with Montez Sweat.
S Jason Pinnock, New York Giants
- Age: 25 | Height/Weight: 6’0″, 205 lbs | 2024 Stats: 85 Tackles, 3 Sacks
It seemed like every time the Giants had a big play on defense, Jason Pinnock was involved somehow. For the second straight season, Pinnock started in all 16 games and ended with 85 tackles. A younger safety on the market, Pinnock could be the solution to dealing with Jaquan Brisker’s extensive injury history.
CB Kader Kohou, Miami Dolphins
- Age: 26 | Height/Weight: 5’10”, 195 lbs | 2024 Stats: 45 Tackles, 2 INTs, 1 Forced Fumble
Kader Kohou has been a defensive standout for Miami. Adding him could stabilize the Bears’ secondary, reducing the need to constantly rotate Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith.
S Jeremy Chinn, Washington Commanders
- Age: 26 | Height/Weight: 6’3″, 220 lbs | 2024 Stats: 117 Tackles, 2 Sacks, 1 INT
Jeremy Chinn has excelled with the Commanders, leading the team in tackles during their playoff win. His hybrid linebacker-safety skill set could bring much-needed versatility to Chicago’s defense.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
