The Chicago Bears got their offseason started ahead of free agency by filling some glaring needs, shoring up the interior offensive line with trades for Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney. Even after these moves, the Bears still have about $45.7 million in salary cap space to fill out the roster per Over The Cap. With that space, there’s plenty of room to make another big splash or two.

Several noteworthy potential free agents have also been taken off the market by resigning or restructuring with their current teams (OT Ronnie Stanley back to Baltimore on a three-year deal, WR Marquise Brown resigned with Kansas City for another year).

There are plenty of solid players left in free agency at areas of need for the Bears. With a day left before the “legal tampering” period set to begin, expect Chicago to come out swinging.

Players the Chicago Bears Should Target

  1. Drew Dalman, C – Dalman is the top-ranked center available this year and the Bears desperately need an upgrade at the position. There are some questions about his size in Ben Johnson’s scheme. If Coach Johnson thinks it would be a fit, he would immediately shore up the interior line with Thuney and Jackson at his sides.
  2. Khalil Mack, DE – No longer an every-down pass rusher, Mack can still be a menace on the edge. Chicago recently released DeMarcus Walker, so there is a definite need on the edge opposite Montez Sweat. Mack is likely a lower-cost option to Josh Sweat or Haason Reddick and could rotate in with last year’s fifth-round draft pick, Austin Booker.
  3. Jonathan Allen, DT- Recently cut by the Washington Commanders after they couldn’t find a trade partner, Allen may be a great short-term option to beef up the middle of the defensive line. It would mark a reunion with Montez Sweat from their time together in Washington.

End of my Chicago Bears Rant

Even if they aren’t able to sign these specific players, I anticipate the Bears will be addressing these positions in free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft in April. Be sure to check Stadium Rant NFL for more 2025 Free Agency content.