Coming out of the rookie minicamps last week, it seemed like the Chicago Bears were content with adding only one player to the roster as they prepare for the next phase of spring practices next month. That was veteran wide receiver Scotty Miller, who looked sharp across two days of work. It made sense. Chicago’s receiving corps got a lot younger this offseason with the departures of D.J. Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus, while rookie Zavion Thomas arrived via the draft. Miller, along with Kalif Raymond, would give them some much-needed experience.
So you can imagine the surprise when news came down the pipeline that the Bears had not only signed three other players in addition to Miller, but also saw one of their undrafted free agents abruptly retire. The three names included undrafted wide receiver Kyron Hudson, undrafted linebacker Wayne Matthews III, and veteran linebacker Jon Rhattigan. Conversely, Florida State wide receiver Squirrel White chose to retire after minicamps concluded. The only information available on that is that he left the field with a trainer at one point, indicating he must’ve suffered an injury.
Either it was serious enough to be career-ending, or it was enough to convince him that football was no longer worth it. Regardless, it helps explain why the Bears looked to add some extra bodies at wide receiver.
The purpose of these Chicago Bears moves is easy to see.
Hudson wasn’t brought in because the team felt he was overlooked. In truth, he had a rather unremarkable college career, serving as a third- or fourth-option for most of it. The primary reasoning for his addition is his relationship with Caleb Williams. The two were teammates for two years in 2022 and 2023. Hudson caught five touchdowns during that period. It feels like the Bears wanted to bring in someone Williams is familiar with, helping make the long training camp grind more comfortable later this year.
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As for Matthews III and Rhattigan, the intent is more straightforward. They are special teams additions. Rhattigan has carved out a nice career as a special teams player, collecting 28 tackles in the last five seasons. The Bears are always looking for contributors on that front. Matthews III always showed potential in those areas, posting seven tackles in just ten games in 2022 alone. No doubt special teams coordinator Richard Hightower saw enough to add them to the mix for July.
This is where Ryan Poles deserves some credit.
While the Bears’ general manager has his faults, one thing you can’t say is that he ignores the special teams. He has been great about consistently feeding that unit with dependable players since he took over in 2022. Josh Blackwell, Daniel Hardy, Elijah Hicks, Jonathan Owens, Jaylon Jones, and Carl Jones Jr. were all additions he made with that in mind. It is nice to see he hasn’t shirked that responsibility. After all, the Bears don’t make the playoffs last year without some huge plays on special teams.
At first glance, Rhattigan is probably the name to watch out for in that group. He has the most experience and plays a position at which the Chicago Bears could use some depth. Miller has a good chance to win a roster spot on offense, though he may have to show some special teams value as well. All of this is a reminder that roster-building isn’t exclusive to just the draft and free agency. Good teams constantly churn the bottom of the depth chart, looking for help everywhere.
