Sleeper Free Agents The Chicago Bears Are Likely Hunting

One thing about the Chicago Bears‘ approach to free agency thus far is it’s not about chasing big names for them. They’ve proven they have a specific type in mind. They want younger players with athleticism who have recently played some of their best football. Scheme fit is also a big requirement. GM Ryan Poles has remained consistent with that. It’s only been a few days, and the Bears have already added several free agents, most of them with proven track records. Not only that, but the majority arrive at favorable prices.

Now that the first wave has passed, they can likely secure even more players at discounts. The tricky part is not getting sucked up by the biggest names. The Bears have proven multiple times that one must look deeper to find value. To that end, here are a few that fit the bill. They’re on the younger side (mostly), athletic, will be cheap, and should be good fits for their schemes.

The Chicago Bears have several bargain options out there.

Dawuane Smoot (EDGE)

It was an open secret the Bears defensive line needed lots of help going into 2023. Thus far, they’ve added two solid pieces in DeMarcus Walker and Andrew Billings. However, there is still a considerably lacking presence on the edge. Smoot made a name for himself at Illinois in college. He became a 3rd round pick of Jacksonville in 2017 and has steadily molded himself into an underrated pass rusher. Over the past two seasons, the defensive end has 86 total pressures on the quarterback, along with 11 sacks. At 28 years old, he is in his prime and would make for a solid rotational pass rusher.

Amani Oruwariye (CB)

It looked like the former 5th round pick was poised to enter the upper echelon in 2021. When targeting him in coverage, he snagged six interceptions for the Detroit Lions, and quarterbacks had a 74.1 passer rating. For some unknown reason, he was demoted last year. Perhaps it was due to a back injury he suffered early in the season, but his playing time diminished severely by October. He’s still only 27. His nose for the football was proven. He also has the size and length the Chicago Bears covet.

Olisaemeka Udoh (OT)

Udoh is quite the story. Minnesota drafted him in the 6th round in 2019. He didn’t play much for two years, then started in 2021. It was somewhat ugly. He allowed 45 pressures and committed 16 penalties. However, that came at right guard. Last year, the Vikings moved him out to his more natural position at right tackle. He started the final three games of the year, including the wild card playoff. He allowed only three total pressures in 108 pass-blocking snaps. He’s 6’5 and boasts 35-inch arms too. With Chicago’s uncertainty at right tackle, this is an interesting option to explore.

Mack Hollins (WR)

While the Bears appear set at wide receiver with D.J. Moore, Darnell Mooney, and Chase Claypool, there is no crime for building depth. Hollins has been an overlooked player for several years. He had a career year last season with 690 yards in Las Vegas. He’s 6’4 with legitimate deep speed. If that weren’t enough, his 2021 season in Miami showed he could play special teams too. Hollins is similar to Equanimeous St. Brown. He’ll never be a go-to guy but can be a valuable depth piece.