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Chicago Bears have several needs to address this 2025 offseason, and there are plenty of options heading into free agency. General manager Ryan Poles is continuing to build this roster with new head coach Ben Johnson in mind, which includes a couple of notable trades for offensive linemen Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. There remain notable holes at center and edge rusher, and upgrades could be made at left tackle, defensive tackle and running back. Hundreds of NFL players are set to hit the open market and change teams over the next couple of months, and there are quite a few names who can help out the Bears, whether as a starter or as depth at key positions. Here’s a look at one pending free agent from each NFL team that should interest the Bears.
Arizona Cardinals: LB Kyzir White
After not tendering linebacker Jack Sanborn, the Bears could use a replacement at linebacker and seven-year veteran Kyzir White makes sense. This past season, White played in all 17 games for Arizona and totaled 137 tackles, and he's had three seasons in his career in which he's totaled over 100 tackles in a year. His sack numbers are low, the highest in his career coming in 2024 with 2.5 sacks, but White would fit in well with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, who combined for 239 tackles between them last year.
The writing is on the wall for this signing. Many analysts have continued mentioned the Bears as the best fit for Drew Dalman, who is expected to get paid very well during this free agency period. Dalman was the fourth-best center graded on Pro Football Focus, and in signing him it would be a complete makeover of their offensive line in comparison to the unit that allowed a league-high 68 sacks this past season. Dalman would pair well with the additions of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson that the team has made already this year, and his talent speaks to what Ben Johnson is looking for at the center position.
Ronnie Stanley is the best player from the Baltimore Ravens set to hit the market and while it's unlikely the Bears will invest in an aging veteran with injury concerns, stranger things have happened. Stanley could be a nice stop gap at left tackle while the Bears draft someone like Will Campbell or Josh Simmons, and kick Braxton Jones inside to guard. The former All-Pro lineman would be an intriguing addition on the offensive line.
The Bears are set to lose special teams running back Travis Homer to free agency. Why not sign Ty Johnson as an upgrade? Johnson has familiarity with Bears head coach Ben Johnson and was a pivotal piece to Buffalo's offense last season at times. He could provide a spark and fill a need on special teams.
Carolina Panthers: S Xavier Woods
The Bears could find bargains in this free agency period and, while safety is not necessarily a big area of concern, adding depth would not be a bad thing. In 2024, Woods compiled 119 total tackles, with six passes defended, and three interceptions. A playmaker in every sense of the word, the 29-year old veteran would be a good fit along with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, with Woods potentially being able to takeover for Byard after next season as he will be entering the final year of his contract with Chicago.
Chicago Bears: OL Matt Pryor
The Bears don’t have any big-name free agents that they’re expected to re-sign, as they’re expected to let wide receiver Keenan Allen and guard Teven Jenkins walk. The offensive line will be a top priority for Chicago this offseason when it comes to filling three (possibly four) starting spots and adding depth. Matt Pryor was a depth piece thrust into a starting role last season, and he proved his worth as a reserve. The Bears could look to bring him back on an affordable, one-year deal to help shore up the team’s biggest area of need.
Defensive tackle is a significant need and BJ Hill is one of the better free agents at the position. He was a consistent disruptor for the Bengals defensive line and can get after the quarterback. He would be a solid fit with Gervon Dexter and Andrew Billings.
Cleveland Browns: WR Elijah Moore
Elijah Moore never developed into the star some believed he could be, but he is a decent WR3 for a team that has consistent threats on the outside. Moore could be a decent fit in Johnson's offense playing with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. He won't cost much, either. Believe it or not, Rico Dowdle had a better season running the ball than D'Andre Swift, and he still wasn't appreciated with the Dallas Cowboys. Adding a running back in free agency might be difficult due to the depth of talent in this year's draft class, but Dowdle could be an interesting name for Chicago to consider. Rushing for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns in his first season with real opportunity, he was named the Cowboys' starter heading into Week 11 and never looked back. His bruising style would pair well with Swift's shiftiness and elusiveness out of Chicago's backfield.
Denver Broncos: RB Javonte Williams
After his rookie season, Javonte Williams looked to be on the verge of becoming a great NFL running back. Injuries derailed his development, though, and Williams fell out of favor in Sean Payton's offense. Perhaps he could be a complimentary piece in Chicago, splitting time with D'Andre Swift.
Detroit Lions: G Kevin Zeitler
Depth, depth, and more depth, that is what the Bears should be considering to add to their new-look offensive line even after their two new additions. Zeitler played for Ben Johnson in Detroit, and with Jonah Jackson being limited to just four games this past season, bringing in reinforcements wouldn't be a bad idea. The veteran would also help lead the offensive line in understanding Johnson's system, but he could land a bigger opportunity elsewhere on the open market. Similar to White, Eric Wilson would bring much needed depth to the linebacker position in Chicago. The Packers are reportedly entertaining the idea of moving on from Quay Walker, but have not traded or released him yet, if they do, he'd be the top target for the Bears or the Packers. In limited time, Wilson totaled 72 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and an interception this past season.
Houston Texans: DE Derek Barnett
The Bears weren't interested in Derek Barnett when he was available in 2023. Poles shouldn't pass up the opportunity again. Barnett was a solid producer in the Texans defense and he proved it against the Bears in Week 2 last year. He could take the place of Darrell Taylor or Jacob Martin as a rotational player on the defensive line.
Indianapolis Colts: G Will Fries
Ryan Kelly would be an ideal candidate from the Colts, but it seems like the Bears could be looking at Drew Dalman at center. That would make Will Fries a possible option at guard. He's coming off a broken fibula, but he's only 26 years old and was a top-graded guard throughout the first part of the season. Fries is reportedly already generating interest from the Bears.
Jacksonville Jaguars: G Brandon Scherff
With Smith off the market for all intents and purposes, the Bears will need to look in a different direction for their next right guard. Brandon Scherff is significantly older, but he still has some juice left in the tank. There are worse options out there and he would be a nice bridge while the Bears draft a rookie to eventually succeed him.
Kansas City Chiefs: DT Tershawn Wharton
We all know Smith would have been the answer for this question a week ago, so like the Bears, we'll have to pivot to the other side of the ball. That's where we find Tershawn Wharton, who turned in a career year on the defensive line. Wharton is likely to depart Kansas City and he would provide a boost to Chicago's front four. He's only 26, so it's likely his best football is ahead of him.
Las Vegas Raiders: DE Malcolm Koonce
It's been a long time since Malcolm Koonce played in a regular season game due to an injury, but don't let that dissuade you from wanting him in free agency. Koonce totaled eight sacks in 2023 and is seen as a rising playmaker at the edge position. Maxx Crosby has talked about his importance and should he hit the market, he would be an intriguing option as the Bears look for an upgraded pass rush.
Los Angeles Chargers: DE Khalil Mack
The Chargers have quite a few players who would fit what the Bears need such as Teair Tart and Morgan Fox, but who doesn't want to see No. 52 don the navy and orange one more time? Khalil Mack isn't the same player Bears fans saw in the late 2010s, but he can still get after the quarterback. Pairing him with Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter—even for just a season—would be a fun watch.
Mack even has reported interest in coming back. Los Angeles Rams: QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Make no mistake about it, if the Los Angeles Rams outright release wide receiver Cooper Kupp, he'd be the undoubted target for Chicago, especially if Keenan Allen doesn't return. The idea of
Garoppolo returning to his hometown team as a veteran backup shouldn't be that much of an off-the-wall thought. He has starter experience, has learned from highly-regarded coaches in Bill Belichick, Sean McVay, and Kyle Shanhan, he's also gone to a Super Bowl as a starter and began his career sitting behind Tom Brady. All of that experience and knowledge would be welcomed in a quarterback room with Caleb Williams in the spotlight, but was lacking the veteran backup leadership last season. Garoppolo may not want to be a backup or even a third-option if Tyson Bagent is the true No. 2 behind Williams, but his experience in the league can't be overlooked.
Miami Dolphins: S Jevon Holland
Safety isn't necessarily a need for the Bears, but Jevon Holland is the best free agent at his position and one of the top targets overall this offseason. Holland turns 25 this offseason and he would be a big investment for the future. His down year in 2024 may even reduce the amount of money he earns on the market, which could be appealing for Chicago if they want to upgrade the position.
Minnesota Vikings: RB Aaron Jones
He's already played for the
Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, so could Aaron Jones continue his tour through the NFC North division? He'd be a veteran option for Chicago to consider to pair with D'Andre Swift and has a proven resume of both success on the field and an understanding of the division. Ben Johnson proclaimed that he wanted to make the Bears a contender in the division upon his arrival, and again, while the RB depth in this year's draft class is deep, Chicago could address other areas of need (offensive line and pass rush) in their early picks if they were to sign a veteran running back like Jones. In his lone season with Minnesota, Jones rushed for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns.
Austin Hooper does not move the needle whatsoever in 2025, but this is a move Ryan Poles has made the last two offseasons. Knowing him, it feels like it's going to happen again. The Bears would pair an aging tight end with Cole Kmet and plummet his production. Hooper totaled over 400 yards for the Patriots last year in a two tight end set. He'll come to the Bears and barely top 100 yards, just like Robert Tonyan and Gerald Everett.
New Orleans Saints: EDGE Chase Young
Another potential reunion for Chicago to consider if they miss out on the top options at available pass rusher, Chase Young could reunite with Montez Sweat from their days together in Washington. In his one season with the New Orleans Saints, Young totaled 5.5 sacks, the same amount as Sweat did for Chicago this past season. Young also graded out at 66.4 in his overall grade by PFF, and if he doesn't get overpaid in the open market, could be a realistic target for Chicago as they look to find ways to upgrade their pass rush talent.
New York Giants: EDGE Azeez Ojulari
New York Jets: DT Javon Kinlaw
Javon Kinlaw is finally starting to show why he was a first-round pick in 2020 now that he's healthy, and he could elevate the Bears' interior pass rush. Kinlaw posted career bests across the board, and he would be an excellent rotational player with Dexter and Billings.
Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Josh Sweat
More than likely the top edge rusher on the free agency market, Josh Sweat will command a big payday coming off a season where he was a Super Bowl MVP contender, and finished with eight sacks in the regular season. Sweat graded out with a 75.7 overall grade from PFF on the year, putting him at 28th overall in his position this past season in Philadelphia. No relation to Montez, but having two Sweat players leading their pass rush could make opposing quarterbacks full of sweat. There should also be consideration to the Bears signing defensive tackle Milton Williams of the Eagles, as well.
Pittsburgh Steelers: G James Daniels
We've already listed one former Bears player in this list. Why not another? The Bears' decision to let James Daniels walk three years ago was an error that they still have yet to recover from. If they miss out on some of their other targets, maybe he and Poles can mend the fences and bring him back as a stable veteran presence. Daniels is coming off a torn Achilles, but he's still just 27 years old.
San Francisco 49ers: DT Javon Kinlaw
Informed this week that
he will be released at the beginning of free agency, Javon Hargrave would likely be a more cost-effective option at defensive tackle who thrives in his pass rushing defense. Limited to only three games last season, Hargrave could reset his value on a team-friendly deal in Chicago if they were to miss out on the top options at defensive tackle.
Seattle Seahawks: DL Roy Robertson-Harris
Playing his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears, Roy Robertson-Harris would be a welcomed back addition to the defensive line. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2016, Robertson-Harris has carved out a respectable career for himself, playing nine seasons so far, he would bring depth to a defensive line in need of help everywhere.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: S Jordan Whitehead
A depth piece at the safety position, Jordan Whitehead could come at a reasonable price on the open market for a veteran who has shown an ability to make plays. With 79 tackles for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this past season, Whitehead would bring reinforcements behind Brisker and Byard at the safety position.
Tennessee Titans: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
The Bears were missing a burner at wide receiver who could take the top off the defense. That is all Nick Westbrook-Ikhine did last season with the Tennessee Titans. Westbrook-Ikhine would be an ideal complement to Moore and Odunze as the team's deep threat. Another team will likely overpay for his services but maybe the Bears get involved if Johnson becomes enamored with his abilities.
Washington Commanders: DT Jonathan Allen
After failing to find a trade suitor for him, the Washington Commanders have released Jonathan Allen, and he should jump to the top of the Bears wishlist in free agency. Allen would reunite with Montez Sweat, similar to Chase Young as they all spent time together in Washington. Allen's 2024 season was cut short due to injury but he's undoubtedly one of the best at his position. Allen would bring a considerable upgrade on the interior of the defensive line. The Bears have a chance to bring in a respected veteran with plenty of talent, who could mentor the likes of Gervon Dexter Sr. along with his on-field production.
