Bears paid high dollar for two players the rest of the league forgot to draft, with intriguing potential to make the 53-man roster
The Chicago Bears spent a pretty penny on two undrafted free agents following the 2026 NFL Draft, which gives them a leg up going into the rest of the offseason program.
The Chicago Bears did not have the 2026 NFL Draft many expected the team to have this past season but the team still brought in seven new rookie draft picks that offer intriguing upside for the long-term future.
After the draft, general manager Ryan Poles got right to work signing undrafted free agents. Poles had great success in the past with his UDFA additions including QB Tyson Bagent, LB Jack Sanborn, OT Theo Benedet, and WR Jahdae Walker. All of whom went on to make the 53-man roster.
Could a player stand out from the list this year and make the squad? Chicago signed 13 UDFAs so far and if you follow the money, two players seem to have a leg up in joining that list later this year.
OL Caden Barnett
Throughout the draft process, Caden Barnett had a lot of supporters outside the league. He was a great prospect to root for and had a great nickname as the “Vanilla Gorilla” but his tenacity on the field had fans excited to see where he would land.
Barnett ended up going undrafted and landed with the Bears on a deal that will pay him $277,500 in total guarantees, including a $30,000 signing bonus, via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. That’s a hefty contract for a UDFA.
That price doesn’t guarantee Barnett will make the 53-man roster, but it would deter other teams from poaching him off the practice squad if he doesn’t make the final cut.
Draft experts referred to Barnett as an aggressive tone-setter and his wrestling background shows up with the way he bullies players in the trenches. Barnett has experience at right guard and right tackle, making his versatility appealing as well.
To make the roster, Barnett will have to standout against Jordan McFadden and 2025 sixth-round pick Luke Newman to secure a depth spot at the guard position. Looking at his production, character, physicality, versatility, and athleticism, there’s no reason this guy should have gone undrafted. Chicago landed a gem in this guy.
DT Jayden Loving
Another UDFA that received a hefty contract, by UDFA standards, from the Bears was Wake Forest defensive tackle Jayden Loving. Cronin reported that Loving’s deal features $245,000 in total guarantees including a $20,000 signing bonus. It’s not quite the money Barnett got, but still more than any Chicago UDFA received in 2025.
Paying a DT that much is notable. The Bears did extensive overhaul on the interior of the defensive front this offseason signing Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, and James Lynch in free agency while also trading up to draft Jordan van den Berg in the sixth-round.
It’s already a loaded position headlined by Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett. It’s clear those three veterans aren’t getting a free ride to a roster spot off experience alone. These two rookies will be young and hungry players looking to compete for a final spot.
Chicago had one of the most athletic draft classes in 2026 and Loving is another athletic freak joining the roster. He brings a level of quickness and explosiveness to the interior that Dennis Allen requires but mainly wins with that athleticism instead of with skill.
The physical tools are there and if the coaches can iron out his technique, he can be a real serviceable player in a rotation and great depth on the interior.
