Bears free agency primer: what to watch for this week
The Bears crammed a month’s worth of moves into a four-day span this past week, cutting linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, trading receiver DJ Moore and watching center Drew Dalman unexpectedly retire — only to trade for his replacement, Garrett Bradbury.
Amazingly, next week will be even busier.
Armed with newfound salary cap space, the Bears figure to be aggressive in free agency when the NFL’s legal tampering period opens Monday. Teams are allowed to agree to deals then, though players can’t sign a contract until the start of the league year Wednesday.
Here’s what to watch for:
The big need — and big names
Defensive end Trey Hendrickson is the biggest name on the free-agent market despite his age — 31 — and the fact he played only seven games last season. He recorded a whopping 17 ½ sacks in both 2023 and 2024.
He’s familiar with Dennis Allen’s system, too, after playing for the Bears defensive coordinator when both were in New Orleans. He’ll command a fortune — Spotrac.com projects a two-year, $51 million contract — but the Bears could find that more palatable than trading two first-round picks for Raiders star Maxx Crosby. The Bears made improving their pass rush their top priority this offseason, and that need grew more acute after Crosby was traded to the Ravens on Friday night.
Reuniting with edge rusher Khalil Mack on a one-year deal for $18 million or so would make sense, too. He starred for the Bears from 2018-21.
Jaelan Phillips and Odafe Oweh will command pricy multi-year deals, while K’Lavon Chaisson, Joey Bosa and Dre’Mont Jones are useful situational players on a one-year contract. Cam Jordan will hit free agency after 15 years with the Saints — and knows Allen’s system.
Ben’s boys?
The answer to the Bears’ left tackle conundrum could come from Detroit. Taylor Decker announced last week he’d return for an 11th season, only to write on social media Friday that he’d requested his release from the Lions. He was unhappy they asked him to take a pay cut.
Reuniting him with Ben Johnson, the Bears’ head coach and former Lions offensive coordinator, would be mutually beneficial. The Bears need a stopgap at left tackle with Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss most of the season with a patellar tendon injury. Decker knows Johnson’s system and could sign a one-year deal. The Bears could also consider bringing back Braxton Jones on an cheap one-year contract with hopes that a healthy offseason gives him a better chance to succeed this time around.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone, who turns 32 in September, played for both Allen in New Orleans and Johnson in Detroit. Bobby Okereke, who played for Bears linebackers coach Richard Smith in Indianapolis, is another name to watch as the Bears try to patch the hole they created by cutting Edmunds.
DB keepers?
The most productive safety in the NFL last year, in terms of interceptions, is on the free agent market. So is a player who tied for the most interceptions by a cornerback.
Both were Bears. They might not both be for long.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has been vocal about wanting to keep safety Kevin Byard, and the feeling is believed to be mutual. As the start of free agency creeps closer, though, the urgency to get a deal done will only grow. Byard, who had a league-high seven interceptions last year, should command a raise over the two-year, $15 million deal he signed in 2024. Jaquan Brisker, the Bears’ other starting safety, is less likely to re-sign.
Wright’s market will be compelling. One year after playing zero defensive snaps in the NFL, he intercepted five passes, forced three fumbles and recovered two more for the Bears. His 6-4, 200-pound frame is perfect for Allen’s system but the Bears, who have already paid Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon top dollar, might not want to do so for another cornerback. He could command up to $10 million per year.