Notes from the Chicago Bears: Free Agency Negotiations Start in Just Three Weeks

As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, the Chicago Bears find themselves in a critical moment of their rebuild. With the NFL free agency period set to begin in just three weeks, the team’s front office, led by General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus, faces key decisions that will shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.

After a somewhat inconsistent 2024 season, the Bears are looking to build a more competitive roster, addressing areas of need while also enhancing their long-term prospects. Free agency presents an excellent opportunity for the team to strengthen key positions, particularly on the offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive secondary—three areas that have been weaknesses for the Bears in recent years.

This article will provide an in-depth look at the Bears’ free agency priorities and what steps they need to take as they head into negotiations with potential targets. We’ll explore the team’s needs, examine available free agents, and discuss the possible strategies the Bears could employ to maximize their salary cap space and improve the roster.

1. Review of the 2024 Season and Current Needs

Before the Bears can begin shaping their free agency strategy, it’s important to assess the team’s performance in the 2024 season and identify the areas that require the most attention.

The Bears ended the season with a 7-10 record, showing signs of promise with their young quarterback Justin Fields but struggling to find consistency across multiple areas. Although Fields flashed his incredible playmaking ability and athleticism, the team was often hindered by a lack of protection and playmakers around him.

Offensive Line

The offensive line has long been one of the Bears’ most significant weaknesses, and it was once again a focal point of failure in 2024. Fields’ mobility allowed him to escape pressure at times, but the inconsistency of the line led to too many sacks, pressures, and hurried throws.

The Bears’ offensive line is a key area that must be addressed during free agency, as Fields’ development is tied directly to the protection he receives from his blockers. Adding depth, securing a solid left tackle or right guard, and ensuring that the line can hold up in both pass protection and run blocking are top priorities for the team.

Wide Receiver

Another area of weakness is the wide receiver position. While Darnell Mooney has emerged as a reliable option, the Bears are still without a true No. 1 wide receiver who can consistently create separation and win in crucial moments. The lack of a top-tier pass catcher has severely limited Fields’ ability to fully develop as a quarterback. Adding a veteran wide receiver with proven production could drastically improve the offense and give Fields a legitimate weapon to pair with Mooney.

Defensive Secondary

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears have a strong front seven, with standout players like Roquan Smith and Jalen Carter in the trenches, but the secondary remains an area of concern. Although the team has talented players such as Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker, the Bears need to continue building depth and improve coverage skills in the defensive backfield. A cornerback or safety could make a major difference in both short-term and long-term success, especially with the high-powered offenses in the NFC North.

2. Salary Cap and Financial Flexibility

Before diving into the available free agents, it’s important to understand where the Bears stand in terms of their salary cap and financial flexibility heading into free agency.

As of February 2025, the Bears are in a relatively strong financial position, with approximately $40 million in cap space. This gives them ample room to maneuver during free agency, even if they decide to make a few splashes and sign high-profile players. The Bears also have the flexibility to restructure contracts or move on from underperforming veterans in order to clear additional cap space.

Cap Management Strategy

Given that the Bears have several key positions to address, their strategy during free agency will likely involve targeting several key players, while also leaving room for potential contract extensions for Fields and other rising stars in the future. Poles and his staff will need to be strategic in how they allocate resources, balancing the need for immediate contributors with the long-term sustainability of the team’s finances.

Additionally, the Bears have the option of making trades to further bolster their position heading into free agency. By potentially trading players who have not lived up to expectations, or by moving back in the draft, the Bears could gain more assets that would allow them to target high-impact players without sacrificing too much of their cap flexibility.

3. Top Free Agent Targets for the Bears

As the Bears prepare for free agency, they should prioritize signing players who can make an immediate impact. Based on the team’s needs and available cap space, here are some of the top free agent targets they should consider in 2025:

Offensive Line

1. Orlando Brown Jr. (OT, Kansas City Chiefs)
   Orlando Brown Jr. has established himself as one of the premier left tackles in the NFL. After his time with the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, Brown is expected to be one of the top offensive linemen on the market. Brown would immediately provide a major upgrade at left tackle for the Bears, offering solid pass protection and the ability to control the edge. His veteran leadership and experience in high-pressure situations would be invaluable for a young quarterback like Fields.
2. Ben Powers (OG, Baltimore Ravens)
   If the Bears are unable to secure a top-tier tackle in free agency, they should consider focusing on improving their interior line. Ben Powers is one of the best guards available, known for his ability to create running lanes and keep the pocket clean for quarterbacks. Powers has a strong track record with the Baltimore Ravens, and his ability to excel in both the run game and pass protection would make him an excellent fit for the Bears.
3. Mike McGlinchey (OT, San Francisco 49ers)
   Another potential option at tackle is Mike McGlinchey, a reliable right tackle who has been a fixture in the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line. McGlinchey is known for his consistency in pass protection and his ability to move defenders in the run game. Signing McGlinchey would help solidify the Bears’ tackle positions and ensure that Justin Fields has the protection he needs to succeed.

Wide Receiver

1. Davante Adams (WR, Las Vegas Raiders)
   Davante Adams is one of the best wide receivers of his generation and would instantly elevate the Bears’ passing game. While Adams is in the latter part of his career, he remains an elite route runner with exceptional hands and the ability to make spectacular catches. Bringing in Adams would provide Justin Fields with a legitimate No. 1 option and could immediately improve the team’s offensive output.
2. Terry McLaurin (WR, Washington Commanders)
   Terry McLaurin is another high-level wide receiver who could be a difference-maker for the Bears. Known for his speed and ability to stretch the field, McLaurin would provide Fields with a vertical threat that can open up the entire offense. His consistency and ability to make plays in clutch moments would be a perfect complement to Darnell Mooney on the opposite side.
3. JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, Kansas City Chiefs)
   If the Bears are looking for a more affordable option, JuJu Smith-Schuster could be a strong choice. While he isn’t a true No. 1 receiver, Smith-Schuster is a reliable option who can contribute both in the slot and on the outside. He has shown the ability to make plays in the postseason and could be a valuable veteran presence in a young receiving corps.

Defensive Secondary

1. Jamel Dean (CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
   Jamel Dean is a versatile cornerback who excels in both man and zone coverage. His physicality and ability to match up with big receivers make him an ideal target for the Bears, who need help in their secondary. Adding Dean would give the Bears a shutdown corner who can help improve their pass defense significantly.
2. Jordan Poyer (S, Buffalo Bills)
   If the Bears are looking to upgrade their safety position, Jordan Poyer would be a great addition. Poyer has been a playmaker for the Buffalo Bills for several years and has the experience to be an immediate leader in the Bears’ secondary. His ball skills and ability to provide coverage over the top would complement Jaquan Brisker, forming a dynamic safety duo.
3. Shaquill Griffin (CB, Jacksonville Jaguars)
   Another solid cornerback option for the Bears is Shaquill Griffin. Griffin is a tough, physical corner who can help improve the Bears’ coverage and has the ability to shut down receivers on the outside. His experience in a competitive division will help him adjust quickly to the Bears’ defensive scheme.

4. Strategic Considerations for Free Agency

As the Bears approach the start of free agency in just three weeks, there are several important strategic considerations for the front office:

• Prioritize Key Positions: The Bears should focus their resources on offensive line and wide receiver, as these are the areas with the most immediate impact on the team’s performance.
• Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Needs: While signing veteran players is important for improving the roster now, the Bears should also keep an eye on long-term sustainability and avoid overcommitting to players who may not fit into their long-term vision.
• Manage Cap Flexibility: The Bears have the luxury of having plenty of cap space, but they must balance signing high-impact players with the need to maintain flexibility for future contract extensions, particularly with Justin Fields.