The Chicago Bears got five players in their 2024 draft class. By most accounts, they did really well. However, GM Ryan Poles isn’t done. He still has 17 remaining roster spots to fill. That means the Bears should be active on the undrafted free agency market, hoping to find more depth and maybe a hidden gem or two. The madness has already started. Here is a tracker we shall keep updated with names as they come in.
Full list of Chicago Bears undrafted signings:
Austin Reed, QB, Western Kentucky
One thing about the Chicago Bears is they love to target highly experienced quarterbacks as undrafted free agents. They did it last year with Tyson Bagent. Now they do it again with Reed. He’s undersized with average arm strength but reads the field well and can sense pressure in the pocket. Good backup competition.
Reddy Steward, CB, Troy
Matt Ebeflus loves ballhawk. Steward had nine interceptions and 181 tackles in his college career. He plays tough and instinctive football, and that versatile style works in this defensive scheme. He has decent size and, while not an elite athlete, has enough to function in zone coverage.
Theo Benedet, OT, British Columbia
A true slab of clay for somebody to mold. Benedet has NFL size at 6’7 with long arms, but he’s only 295 lbs. He must add weight and muscle before he’s ready for the pro level. His athleticism also checks out. Could be a great stash for the practice squad.
Brenden Bates, TE, Kentucky
While on the thinner side for a tight end of his height, Bates made his name mostly as a blocker for the Wildcats. Catching the ball wasn’t his primary responsibility. That said, he’s a good athlete. Maybe some untapped potential.
Keith Randolph, DT, Illinois
This might be the Chicago Bears’ strongest addition. Jer’Zhan Newton got all the attention at Illinois, but a lot of his success can be credited to playing next to Randolph. He’s a strong young man who can stand his ground against the run and shows an underrated ability to shoot gaps. A tireless worker and overachiever. He had 4.5 sacks and 13 tackles for a loss in 2022.
Jamree Kromah, DE, James Madison
He played defensive end in college but might be destined for a shift inside. He has excellent length and lower body strength. His 2023 was a true breakout year, notching 10 sacks. People should watch his dominant performance against Virginia for an idea of what he could bring to the table.
Carl Jones, LB, UCLA
Jones was a productive linebacker for the Bruins. He consistently showed an ability to knife into the backfield, making tackles for loss and grabbing occasional sacks. He’s got average size and speed, but his instincts show up well on tape. That is something to work with.
Odieu Hiliare, WR, Bowling Green
A true flash player. Hiliare has good speed at the receiver position. The problem is he hasn’t found the consistency to unlock it yet. He’s had some stellar performances, with 246 yards against Toledo and 152 against Minnesota. If he can polish his game, there might be something there.
Sure, looks like a fine list. Maybe 2 of them make the final roster if they did well signing them. A few more end up on the practice squad.
@Dr. Steven Bears didn’t call them. Why you ask?
Where are the USC players?