The Chicago Bears were modest spenders in free agency and opted not to break the bank for a big-time addition like Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson while still adding some quality talent with additions such as Coby Bryant and Devin Bush.

After the first week of free agency, the Bears have basically exhausted all resources when it comes to available cap space, unless the front office decides to make any restructures to acquire more talent before the 2026 NFL Draft in April. As it stands, this roster has plenty of remaining needs and it seems like Chicago is content banking on the draft to find answers.

Chicago Bears remaining team needs following the first week of free agency

Starting Safety

Looking at the current 66-man roster, the first major need on the team is finding another starting safety after Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker walked out of the door. The Bears found one replacement in Coby Bryant, who’s prime is still ahead at the position. Finding a starter to line up next to him will be critical and all signs point toward the draft being the place to address that spot early.

FA Options: Kyle Dugger
Draft Options: Dillon Thieneman, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, A.J. Haulcy, Zakee Wheatley

Defensive End

Chicago currently has four viable defensive ends in Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Shemar Turner. Two of those four are coming off season-ending injuries. General manager Ryan Poles said this draft class is deep at EDGE and will look to acquire another impact player to round out this room, because right now, this is not an inspiring group at all off the edge.

FA Options: Maxx Crosby (trade), Josh Sweat (trade), Cameron Jordan, Jadeveon Clowney
Draft Options: T.J. Parker, Keldric Faulk, Zion Young, Akheem Mesidor, Gabe Jacas, Malachi Lawrence, Cashius Howell

Defensive Tackle

The Bears opted to make two signings to the interior of the defensive line in Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street. I’m still not going to rule out adding a long-term player to the room because even the futures of Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter are iffy beyond the 2026 season. A significant addition needs to be made to this position and plenty of quality options are still out there that will be real upgrades for the short and long-term outlook.

FA Options: D.J. Reader, Calais Campbell
Draft Options: Peter Woods, Kayden McDonald, Christen Miller, Lee Hunter, Gracen Halton

Tight End

You would think this position is basically set with Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet in line to return together for another season. If you think that, you’re heavily overlooking the impact the TE3 had in this offense. Durham Smythe played 293 offensive snaps in 2025 and was one of the first free agents acquired by head coach Ben Johnson. He values that role and needs to find a replacement after Smythe followed Declan Doyle to the Baltimore Ravens.

FA Options: Marcedes Lewis, Will Dissly, John FitzPatrick
Draft Options: Josh Cuevas, Sam Roush

Cornerback

To me, this isn’t as pressing of a need, but something the Bears could still look to address before the offseason is over. After letting Pro Bowl alternate selection Nahshon Wright walk following a breakout season, the Bears have an open spot on the outside opposite Jaylon Johnson. Tyrique Stevenson could fill that void, as could 2025 fifth-round pick Zah Frazier who is set to rejoin the team after missing his entire rookie season. If the staff isn’t confident in either player starting, expect a move to add another outside cornerback.

FA Options: L’Jarius Sneed, Marshon Lattimore
Draft Options: Avieon Terrell, D’Angelo Ponds, Julian Neal, Tacario Davis, Charles Demmings

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