Realistic Day 2 options and best fits for the Chicago Bears after spending big on the trenches during the first day of Free Agency
The Chicago Bears had quite the eventual first day of action during the legal tampering period, agreeing to three separate (and sizable) deals with veteran additions to the offensive and defensive line.Those additions will not be official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday, but once confirmed, all three are major signings […]
The Chicago Bears had quite the eventual first day of action during the legal tampering period, agreeing to three separate (and sizable) deals with veteran additions to the offensive and defensive line.
Those additions will not be official until the start of the new league year on Wednesday, but once confirmed, all three are major signings for the organization.
But, now we're onto Day 2 and the action is just getting started. After agreeing to those three deals with Drew Dalman, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Grady Jarrett, the Bears took a major chunk out of their cap space and still have holes to fill.
Looking at the current shape of the roster, here are the main positions of need: RB2, WR3/4, LB3, S depth, and OL depth. Not all of these have to be filled this week, the Bears still have the upcoming 2025 Draft and still hold all their top selections.
Based on the remaining list of top free agents, the Bears can still address those areas, but they'll have to be smart and land some bargain signings. Which means, no Evan Engram and Azeez Ojulari are not realistic options to pursue. But these 4 players are.
WR Tim Patrick
I would really like to see this be the first move of the day for the Bears. After back-to-back major injuries in Denver, Tim Patrick found himself in a perfect environment to have a career season in Detroit under Ben Johnson and Antwaan Randle-El.
Playing behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, Patrick still saw solid production numbers but mainly did the dirty work as a blocking WR and was overall a glue to the entire WR room.
It seems like Detroit is content with letting Patrick go after a one-year deal in hopes of finding in his replacement in the draft. Johnson should be interested in reuniting with him, allowing him to play a similar role behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.
However, it seems like Aaron Glenn is interested in a making similar move for the New York Jets. I originally projected a one-year, $2 million deal would do it, it may need to be a bit more to reel him into Chicago and away from New York.
S Marcus Williams
As for a defensive reunion, the Bears paid close attention to the safeties at the 2025 Combine, making me feel like the front office is interested in upgrading the depth behind Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, each entering their final year of their contract.
Someone who makes a lot of sense as a reclamation project on a one-year deal is Marcus Williams. Williams isn't technically a free agent yet, but the Baltimore Ravens are likely going to release him as a Post June 1st cut on Wednesday after benching him three years into a five-year, $70 million deal.
The best years of Williams' career were spent in New Orleans under new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Williams has 20 career interceptions and 56 career pass deflections. Once he hits the market, there's no harm in offering a low-cost, short-term deal to see if he can bounce back in a familiar scheme.
WR Josh Reynolds
If the Bears lose the bidding war for Tim Patrick with the Jets, or another team, the next best option would be Josh Reynolds. Reynolds was the Tim Patrick before the Lions got Tim Patrick and it was difficult for the Lions' staff to replace Reynolds after he departed for the Denver Broncos, and eventually landing with the Jaguars.
Reynolds was released by Jacksonville prior to the start of free agency, putting him back on the market. With the Lions, Reynolds earned himself a solid role in Johnson's offense, even more than what Patrick did in 2024. In 2023, Reynolds posted a career-high 608 yards and five touchdowns.
"We just need a reliable staple. That's what Reynolds was for us," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said back before the 2024 season. "Josh Reynolds was the reliable guy we could count on he was gonna be where he's supposed to be when he was supposed to be there to play any spot, and he'd make a critical catch for you"
The Bears could use a guy like that as the WR3.
OL Matt Pryor
I'm still holding out hope that the Bears can re-sign Matt Pryor after letting him test the market following his one-year stint in Chicago. Pryor was a selfless player for the Bears after winning the right guard job and even moving to right tackle when needed.
The Bears obviously found their new starting RG in Jonah Jackson and still have RT Darnell Wright. I'm more interested in having Pryor back as a depth option at either position. His versatility and size are too valuable to not have in the room.
Unless another team offers him a deal with a chance to start, Pryor should consider coming back to Chicago if an offer comes his way.
Bears 2025 Free Agency Tracker: Keeping tabs on all the new additions plus who’s leaving, as Ryan Poles attempts to overhaul the roster in Chicago
Tracking every move made by the Bears.
