Four soon-to-be free agents Bears fans should watch the NFL divisional round playoffs.

As the Chicago Bears continue their rebuild under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, the franchise is looking to make major moves in the upcoming offseason. With a significant amount of cap space, the Bears are poised to make a splash in free agency, hoping to land impact players who can help the team return to relevance in a competitive NFC North division. As the 2024 NFL Divisional Round playoffs unfold, there will be plenty of opportunities for the Bears to evaluate potential free agents who could help elevate their roster.

Several soon-to-be free agents are set to compete in the NFL’s postseason, and for Bears fans, these players represent potential game-changers who could help fill gaps in the roster. Whether it’s on the offensive line, at wide receiver, in the secondary, or on the defensive line, these soon-to-be free agents could provide immediate impact for Chicago as they look to build a more complete roster in 2025. Let’s take a look at four key free agents Bears fans should keep an eye on during the NFL Divisional Round playoffs and how they might fit into Chicago’s plans.

1. Javon Hargrave – Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles

Javon Hargrave, a standout defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, is one of the most coveted free agents on the market this offseason. Hargrave has been instrumental in the Eagles’ success over the past several seasons, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2023 as one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in the NFL. With Hargrave’s size, strength, and ability to disrupt both the pass and the run, he would immediately upgrade the Bears’ defensive front.

Why Bears Fans Should Watch Hargrave

For Bears fans, watching Javon Hargrave during the NFL Divisional Round is crucial because he could be the kind of defensive lineman who helps the Bears in both run defense and pass rush. The Bears’ defense, under Eberflus, has shown promise but has struggled with consistent pressure on the quarterback, ranking toward the bottom of the league in sacks. Hargrave’s ability to collapse the pocket from the interior is something the Bears need to remedy their pass rush woes, especially with a promising young edge rusher in Trevis Gipson and veteran pass rusher Robert Quinn still on the roster.

Additionally, the Bears have a need for an elite interior run stopper. Hargrave’s physicality and ability to disrupt plays in the middle of the defense would help Chicago’s defense become more formidable against the run, which was an area they struggled with in 2023. Poles should be watching how Hargrave handles double-teams, collapses the pocket, and performs against top-tier offensive lines.

What to Watch:

• Hargrave’s ability to disrupt both the pass and run.
• How he stacks up against some of the top offensive lines in the league, particularly with Philadelphia facing off against tough opponents like the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs.

2. T.J. Edwards – Linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles

T.J. Edwards, the starting middle linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, has been an unsung hero on a defense that has been one of the best in the league this season. Edwards is a strong tackler, an intelligent player, and a leader on the field. After going undrafted in 2019, Edwards has developed into one of the NFL’s most reliable linebackers, earning a starting role in Philadelphia’s high-powered defense.

Why Bears Fans Should Watch Edwards

The Bears’ linebacker corps has been one of the best in the NFL in recent years, led by Roquan Smith, who was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. While the Bears still have strong players like Jack Sanborn, the absence of Smith has left a hole in the middle of their defense. Edwards, who is expected to hit free agency after the 2024 season, could be a prime target for the Bears as they look to rebuild the linebacker position.

Edwards’ instincts and leadership would be a perfect complement to the Bears’ defense, especially with Eberflus’ emphasis on linebacker play. Edwards is also adept at pass coverage, which is an area the Bears are looking to improve, particularly with running backs and tight ends often exploiting gaps in coverage. Poles should pay close attention to how Edwards fares against top-tier running backs and tight ends during the playoffs, especially with the Eagles potentially facing off against teams with high-powered offenses, such as the San Francisco 49ers or Dallas Cowboys.

What to Watch:

• Edwards’ ability to read plays and make key tackles in both the run and pass game.
• His coverage against tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
• His leadership in the huddle and ability to adjust to high-pressure situations in the playoffs.

3. Jakobi Meyers – Wide Receiver, New England Patriots

Jakobi Meyers is one of the most reliable wide receivers on the market in the 2025 offseason, and he could be a game-changer for the Bears. After spending several years as a key target in the New England Patriots’ offense, Meyers has shown that he can be a productive receiver even without elite quarterback play. His ability to run clean routes, create separation, and make clutch catches makes him an intriguing option for Chicago as they continue to develop Justin Fields.

Why Bears Fans Should Watch Meyers

The Bears are in desperate need of help at wide receiver. While Fields showed progress in 2024, the Bears’ receiving corps lacks a true No. 1 option. Darnell Mooney is a solid second receiver, but the team lacks a consistent top-tier target. Meyers could be that player.

Meyers’ strength lies in his ability to get open in all areas of the field, whether it’s running intermediate routes, creating separation in tight coverage, or making big plays after the catch. With the Bears looking for a reliable pass catcher to pair with Fields, Meyers’ ability to produce in the postseason — where games are often decided by the smallest of margins — is something to watch closely.

What to Watch:

• Meyers’ route running and ability to create separation against top-tier cornerbacks.
• His success in crucial third-down and red-zone situations.
• How he fares against elite defenses, particularly those that could give him tough matchups like the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs.

4. Orlando Brown Jr. – Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs

Orlando Brown Jr. is one of the most highly sought-after free agents on the offensive line market. As the left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, Brown has been a key part of one of the NFL’s most high-powered offenses. His size (6’8”, 340 pounds), combined with his strength and agility, makes him one of the best tackles in the league. Brown has been a Pro Bowl caliber player for several seasons and is a key contributor to Patrick Mahomes’ success in the pocket.

Why Bears Fans Should Watch Brown

The Bears’ offensive line has been a source of frustration for the team in recent years. While Braxton Jones and Teven Jenkins have shown promise, the Bears still need to improve their protection for Justin Fields. With Fields’ mobility, a strong offensive line that can protect him and open up running lanes is crucial to the success of the offense.

Brown is one of the top left tackles in the game and would immediately upgrade the Bears’ offensive line. His ability to protect the blind side of the quarterback and his overall proficiency in both run blocking and pass protection would be invaluable to the Bears’ offensive scheme. If the Bears want to make a serious push in 2025, addressing the offensive line with a player like Brown is a must.

What to Watch:

• Brown’s ability to protect against elite edge rushers and keep his quarterback clean in the pocket.
• His success in both pass protection and run blocking, particularly in high-pressure postseason situations.
• How Brown handles pass-rush specialists like Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons.