As the Chicago Bears enter a crucial phase in reshaping the roster, decisions regarding re-signing key players and parting ways with others become paramount. Although it’ll be nice to keep everyone, the NFL is a business, and it comes down to who is worth re-signing and who isn’t. Here are three free agents the Bears should re-sign and move on from.
Chicago Bears Free Agents: Who To Keep And Let Go
Players To Re-Sign
Jaylon Johnson, CB
Perhaps the most obvious re-sign candidate, Johnson has emerged as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL this season. Johnson rallied four interceptions, 10 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and 36 tackles in 14 games this season. The second-team All-Pro and first-time Pro Bowler’s performance has skyrocketed his value, and General Manager Ryan Poles now needs to pay a hefty price to keep Johnson in Chicago. Both Poles and Johnson expect to come to an agreement on a contract this offseason.
Jaylon Johnson: PFF's Best Coverage Defender in 2023🏆 pic.twitter.com/4RS4GsPXen
— PFF (@PFF) January 11, 2024
Marcedes Lewis, TE
Lewis will go into his 19th NFL season if he continues playing professional football. As much as age is a factor in the NFL, it doesn’t seem to affect Lewis. His usage as a blocking tight end has been a tremendous help on the offense this season. Pro Football Focus graded Lewis as the seventh-best run blocker among tight ends in 2023. Lewis has mentioned he wants to continue playing in the NFL, and the Bears should be able to re-sign him on a team-friendly deal.
D’Onta Foreman, RB
Foreman was disrespected in the eyes of many for his contributions in 2023. His playing time was limited due to falling behind in the depth chart to Khalil Herbert and rookie Roschon Johnson. However, when needed, Foreman delivered. His sturdier build helped tremendously in short-yardage situations, and he provided a spark when the injury bug hit the Bears midseason.
Players To Move On From
Darnell Mooney, WR
Watching Mooney’s downfall this season was a travesty. The once dependable pass-catcher was silent on the field this season. His inability to get in sync with Justin Fields and lack of opportunities has diminished his value to the Bears organization. It’s not all Mooney’s fault; a big reason for this has been the poor play-calling from former Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy. Seeing Mooney walk in free agency will hurt many Bears fans, but a change of scenery might be best for him.
Justin Jones, DT
Jones has been a solid player for the Bears. The reason for letting Jones go isn’t due to his ability on the field; it’s because of the crowded defensive tackle room. Rookies Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens faced limited opportunities as they were behind Jones and Andrew Billings in the depth chart. With Billings securing a two-year extension midseason, it leaves Jones as the odd man out. Opting to allow Jones to explore free agency would be a strategic move, giving Dexter and Pickens more chances to grow and develop in their second year.
Robert Tonyan, TE
Tonyan failed to meet expectations as the Bears’ backup tight end. Given that Cole Kmet is the sole pass-catching tight end, the team required another reliable option in that role. A pivotal moment that could have altered the game’s outcome against the Cleveland Browns involved a beautiful deep pass from Fields to Tonyan, which unfortunately resulted in a dropped catch. It’s time to look elsewhere for help at the tight end position this offseason.
Main Photo: Scott Galvin – USA Today Sports
