The 2024 NFL draft has concluded, and the Chicago Bears have added five new rookies to their roster.
But this is also a time when NFL teams will be looking to free agency again to address roster needs, as signings no longer count toward compensatory picks. Chicago still has needs at edge rusher and could add depth at defensive tackle and tight end, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see general manager Ryan Poles look to this current free agent market to address them (especially with a familiar face in edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue).
There are nine Bears free agents who are still unsigned, which includes several players who were released this offseason. Here’s a look:
Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson (4) catches the ball during warm ups before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 26: Yannick Ngakoue #91 of the Chicago Bears looks on prior to a preseason game against the Buffalo Billsat Soldier Field on August 26, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992239 ORIG FILE ID: 1640435932
Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears guard Lucas Patrick (62) makes a block against Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata (90) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 01: Robert Tonyan #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field on October 01, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 26: Rasheem Green #94 of the Chicago Bears looks on against the Buffalo Bills during the first half of a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 26, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Oct 1, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis (84) makes a catch against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710554 ORIG FILE ID: 20231001_mcd_ad4_49.JPG
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 01: Dylan Cole #55 of the Chicago Bears stretches prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field on October 01, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 05: Trenton Gill #16 of the Chicago Bears punts the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome on November 05, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775992386 ORIG FILE ID: 1776918878
Jul 26, 2023; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Joe Reed (80) warms up at training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-713960 ORIG FILE ID: 20230726_szo_bb6_0021 .JPG