5 free agents the Bears could swing to come play in Chicago after hiring Ben Johnson as the team's new head coach
The Chicago Bears are now going to have a major pull this offseason for top talent wanting to join the team after hiring new head coach Ben Johnson.Johnson's work with the Detroit Lions' offense and talented play-makers was noticed all over the league over the past few seasons and players are going to want to […]
The Chicago Bears are now going to have a major pull this offseason for top talent wanting to join the team after hiring new head coach Ben Johnson.
Johnson's work with the Detroit Lions' offense and talented play-makers was noticed all over the league over the past few seasons and players are going to want to be a part of that, and the Bears will have money to spend.
A bulk of that money should be headed to the offensive line to protect quarterback Caleb Williams, but I wouldn't be surprised if Johnson wants to add some different skill players to the unit going into 2025. Here are five players who could be swayed to come play in Chicago in free agency thanks to their new head coach.
1. WR Hollywood Brown
When Johnson comes in and starts looking at what went wrong with the Bears' offense in 2024, the lack of speed from the wide receiver position will be evident.
After opting to use DJ Moore as a catch-and-run weapon similar to Deebo Samuel, the Bears lost really their only true deep threat, which held the unit back from keeping opposing defenses honest.
The number one deep threat on the market has to be Hollywood Brown. After signing a one-year deal in Kansas City, Brown missed the majority of the 2024 season with a shoulder injury, but he returned late in the year and should be a key part in the rest of the playoff run for the defending champs.
In the divisional round win against the Houston Texans, Brown was targeted twice but did not record a reception. With Rashee Rice coming back next season and Xavier Worthy continuing to develop, Brown could be looking for a new team in 2025.
2. RG Trey Smith
This should be the Bears' top free agent target regardless of position and the need becomes even larger with Johnson as the new head coach.
With the Lions, Johnson had the luxury of calling an offense led by one of the best offensive fronts in the league. That's not going to be the case in Chicago when Johnson steps into the building this week.
The Bears will likely be replacing 3-4 starters on the offensive line and pairing right tackle Darnell Wright with another mauler in Trey Smith at right guard would be a great start toward creating a similar front with the Bears.
He's not going to be cheap, and in fact might become the highest paid guard in football if the Chiefs decide not to bring him back. But, he's worth the high price.
3. WR TuTu Atwell
Another option who could offer a lot of speed to the wide receiver room is TuTu Atwell, whom it seems the Los Angeles Rams are content with letting walk.
Atwell had a career-high 42 receptions and 562 receiving yards during the 2024 season but failed to reach the end zone. In his last three seasons, Atwell has averaged 13.6 yards per reception and can be a guy who can stretch the offense downfield.
A more prominent role in Chicago with a play-caller like Johnson could help Atwell finally reach his untapped potential that was overlooked in a crowed Rams' WR room.
4. WR Keenan Allen
Johnson will likely want to get younger and faster at the position but if Keenan Allen wants to run it back with the Bears and Caleb Williams pushes to keep his veteran safety blanket, Johnson will have to oblige.
The connection between Williams and Allen wasn't what we expected to see and the two clearly left a lot on the field, even though Allen led the team with seven touchdowns. The drops and miscues were often unbearable to watch.
Even still, Allen showed he's still got some gas left in the tank and a coach like Johnson can help make sure Allen and Williams get on the same page and stay there.
5. RB Najee Harris
When looking at all the Johnson-led offenses the Lions put together over the last few seasons, one thing was clear every time. The guy loves having two lead backs.
The Bears currently have one in D'Andre Swift, who is in desperate need of another capable back willing to share some of the load. When Swift played for Johnson in 2022, the Lions also had Jamaal Williams who rushed for over 1,000 yards.
To really complement Swift's game and abilities, the Bears need a bruiser back like Williams or David Montgomery that can handle a strong amount of carries and be able to pick up the hard yards. Najee Harris is the best option to fill that role while allowing Swift to play in that Jahmyr Gibbs-role as a lightning in a bottle running back.
Ben Johnson might already be getting a head start toward putting together his first coaching staff with the Chicago Bears
This would be another slam dunk hire.
