In 2022, we learned that whenever a coaching staff is overhauled, potential free agents who have connections to them should be monitored. That off-season, they added Al-Quadin Muhammad (Eberflus), Equanimeous St. Brown (Getsy), Lucas Patrick (Getsy), and Nicholas Morrow (Travis Smith). Familiarity should never be overlooked in free agency. The Chicago Bears have once again overhauled their entire staff under new head coach Ben Johnson. With so many new faces, it opens several doors to potential signings next month.
I dug into the vast list of likely available names, pinpointing ones connected to various Bears coaches. You might be surprised by some of the ones who pop up.
The Chicago Bears have some big opportunities ahead
Ben Johnson/Antwaan Randle El
- OG Kevin Zeitler
- QB Teddy Bridgewater
Zeitler has been Mr. Dependable at guard for multiple teams in his career. Though 35 years old, he had another good season in Detroit. He’d be a nice temporary solution to the Bears’ interior issues. Bridgewater is a tremendous locker room presence and has been a high-quality backup for years. Johnson may want a veteran behind Caleb Williams. You can’t do much better than Teddy.
Declan Doyle
- RB Javonte Williams
- WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey
Williams, a former 2nd round pick, had a promising rookie year with over 900 rushing yards, but injuries hampered him over the previous two. When healthy, he has a promising skillset that would fit Johnson’s offense. Humphrey has never emerged as anything special. Still, he’s a big target at 6’4 and has been coached by Sean Payton his entire career. If you’re looking for dependable depth, this is the guy.
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Dennis Allen
- EDGE Marcus Davenport
- EDGE Chase Young
- TE Juwan Johnson
- WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
- S Will Harris
The Chicago Bears need more help at edge rusher. Davenport and Young have both played well under Allen in New Orleans. Johnson is coming off a season with over 500 receiving yards. He’d make a great second option behind Cole Kmet. Valdes-Scantling would provide much-needed deep speed at wide receiver. Harris has played cornerback and safety, making him a versatile weapon.
Press Taylor
- OG Brandon Scherff
Scherff is another older guard who has been consistently excellent his entire career. While Jacksonville was bad in 2024, the former Pro Bowler was yet again one of their bright spots. He would instantly stabilize Chicago’s right guard spot for the next year or two, presuming they can’t find someone long-term.
Eric Bieniemy
- OG Trey Smith
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
- WR Justin Watson
- WR Dyami Brown
Most consider Smith the crown jewel of the 2025 free agent class as a Pro Bowl guard in his prime. Bieniemy coached him for two years as Chiefs offensive coordinator. They know each other well. Smith-Schuster, Watson, and Brown would all provide quality depth at wide receiver. Brown is the youngest and still carries the most upside. He’d be an intriguing, low-risk, high-reward move.
Richard Smith
- LB E.J. Speed
- LB Denzel Perryman
Chicago isn’t overly hurting at linebacker. Still, depth is never a bad thing. Speed had the best season of his career in 2024, racking up 142 tackles. Perryman made his only Pro Bowl during the one year Smith was in Las Vegas. He’ll be 33 years old this season and has had trouble staying healthy. This would be a nice move if he’s willing to accept a rotational reserve role.
Al Harris
- CB Jourdan Lewis
- CB Amani Oruwariye
Lewis has been the unsung hero of the Dallas Cowboys secondary for years. His ascent coincided with Harris’s arrival in 2020. This past year was one of Lewis’s best, with 74 tackles and an interception. Oruwariye managed 29 tackles and an interception in just seven games for Dallas. Ben Johnson also knows him from their time together in Detroit.
