The Chicago Bears completed their 2024 NFL draft on Saturday, securing five new players for their roster. Then, they added another nine undrafted free agents. While that continued adding talent and youth across the board, there are still eight roster spots left unaccounted for. Some of those could go to other rookies they invited to minicamps. However, it is a fair assumption GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have plans to add a few more veteran players to the mix.
While this time of year isn’t exactly rich in available talent, there are certain names who could be valuable to this team in a variety of ways. Here are some names you should keep an eye on.
The Chicago Bears would help themselves by adding these veterans.
DL Calais Campbell
Most players vanish after reaching their 30th birthday in the NFL. However, some manage to age like fine wine. Campbell is one of those types. Despite being 37 last season, he still managed 6.5 sacks for the Atlanta Falcons. Chicago lost Justin Jones to free agency, so they could use extra help with their interior pass rush. Campbell would be a great one-year option who can provide depth to their rotation and be an excellent mentor to younger guys like Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens.
EDGE Yannick Ngakoue
Drafting Austin Booker was a big help to a glaring weakness for the Bears’ defense. That said, the 5th round pick needs time to develop. He’s not ready to be a full-time starter. It would be prudent to bring in a solid veteran who can ease his burden. Ngakoue seemed to find his stride after the arrival of Montez Sweat last season. Sadly, he broke his ankle and landed on injured reserve over the last month of the season. If he’s healthy, bringing him back for one more year would make logical sense for both parties.
OG Gabe Jackson
One thing we know about the Chicago Bears offensive line is it has talent at the top but is on an unstable foundation. Both guards Teven Jenkins and Nate Davis struggled to stay healthy last season, something that has followed them most of their careers. This makes the depth behind them extra important. Jackson is 32 years old, but he has experience in this system, having played for Shane Waldron in 2021 and 2022 for the Seahawks. He remains an adequate run blocker with good pass protection spurts.
QB Ryan Tannehill
Adding Caleb Williams instantly generates excitement for the future in Chicago. He has a chance to be somebody special. The same can’t be said for the depth behind him. Tyson Bagent and Brett Rypien don’t have much playing experience between the two of them, leading to concerns the Bears are taking an unnecessary risk with a promising season. Besides, it might be prudent to find a veteran who can help mentor Williams on what it takes to have success at this level. Tannehill made a Pro Bowl. He went to an AFC championship. He’s started 156 career games. It would be a perfect fit.
LB Deion Jones
The former Pro Bowler isn’t the player he was a few years ago, but he can still be a solid contributor. Jones boasts lots of experience and versatility. He’s capable of dropping into coverage and also becoming an extra blitzer that gets to the quarterback. He also has experience playing both inside and outside, giving him added value. The Bears could use a veteran option behind Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. Jones is still only 29 years old. He could bring more experience to a young defense.
My thinking is Poles waits a while to see if any better guys become available instead of just signing one now for the sake of adding someone. There is always some surprise cuts that happen around camp time.
The Times They are A-Changin’
-Machine Gun Kelly ( I think)
@jmscooby – that’s not negativity. It’s pragmatism based on years of watching this team show promise and not deliver. Sorry, but I’m a “I’ll believe it when I see it ” fan now. And look, there are still six players on the team from Pole’s first draft. Brisker, Gordon, Braxton Jones, Elijah Hicks and Trenton Gill and J’Tyre Carter. Obviously, Gill won’t be here much longer. So, that will leave 5 players from a class of 11, right? Obviously, not everyone sticks around for a second deal. But if we aren’t seriously looking at extending at least 3 guys from… Read more »
I remember a lot of people clamoring for us to sign 2 McRight Tackles last offseason. For big money too. No TY.
I did not downvote you, Tred, but I’m gonna need you to hop on board, please. We are going places. Don’t bring me that negativity.
@jmscooby – anyone with a pulse would be better than Ngakoue. I think he was asleep on half of his plays last year. I’d leave open a roster space for some kid that another team tries to stash on their PS. We need to start thinking about saving some contract space the next couple of years. If we are improving, we’ll need the money for Pole’s first draft class. Those guys will start looking for extensions next year if they ball out this season. If we’re not improving, we’ll need the money to start the next rebuild cycle. Heaven help… Read more »