The Chicago Bears used to never be able to find quality quarterbacks late in the draft or undrafted free agency. That was something only other organizations can do. Now, all of a sudden, they seem to have developed a sharp eye for talent in that regard. It started with Tyson Bagent, a Division II star who has developed into one of the NFL’s best backups. Then, in 2024, they signed Austin Reed out of Western Kentucky. The young quarterback had put up a ridiculous 8,086 yards and 71 touchdowns in his two years as a starter. He followed that with a strong preseason, earning a spot on the Bears’ practice squad.

He made it through another training camp with the team in 2025 before being waived, forced out by the arrival of veteran Case Keenum. Rather than trying to battle his way onto another roster, Reed decided to take his chances in the United Football League, joining the Dallas Renegades franchise. He won the starting job, earning the chance to showcase what he could do on opening day against the Houston Gamblers. What followed was one of the best debuts in league history.

Austin Reed left no doubts about his ability.

He finished with 376 yards and three touchdowns on the afternoon, guiding Dallas to an easy 36-17 victory. Keep in mind that most of those numbers were achieved well before the start of the 4th quarter. Reed took his foot off the gas. He could’ve had way more. That didn’t stop him from laying down one of the nastiest trash-talking moments of the season. Late in the 3rd quarter, Gamblers defensive end Malik Fisher managed to get Reed down for a sack. He immediately started getting mouthy.

The quarterback responded with this clapback.

Ouch. There is a reason that some of the best trash-talk moments involve players simply speaking the truth. Austin Reed could’ve easily fired off something personal, insulting the guy’s haircut or mother. That wasn’t necessary. Reminding Fisher that his supposed big defensive play came after his defense had already allowed 33 points was more than enough. It wasn’t the start Houston wanted. They had a big rebound year in 2025, going 5-5 after ending 2024 with a dismal 1-9 record. It was hoped this season would be their breakthrough.

Reed certainly drew media attention.

While the UFL might not be anywhere near the same level as the NFL, it has often proven to be a great feeder league. Lots of players who flourished there have earned opportunities in the NFL, particularly quarterbacks. Adrian Martinez, Luis Perez, and Alex McGough are some recent examples. If Reed can maintain this hot start into a successful season, there is no doubt he will get some phone calls from pro teams seeking backup help. It might not lead to the big-time starter opportunity, but it would be a significant pay bump. UFL quarterbacks earn around $100,000. NFL backups earn a minimum of $885,000.

Don’t say it would be a lateral move. Far from it.

Reed is fighting to secure his financial future. Getting to actually play is part of why he decided to join the UFL. Every self-respecting athlete wants to play the game they love. However, that isn’t the only motive. There is lots of money involved if they perform well. While the Bears weren’t able to keep him around, they at least helped get him noticed upon entering the NFL. Now he is following in the footsteps of other quarterbacks who never felt they were above playing in a “second-rate” league.

Taylor Decker was one of the best left tackles of the past decade in the NFL. Playing on several bad Detroit Lions teams made it difficult to recognize this. However, the past few years of success allowed people to see how good he was, culminating in a Pro Bowl in 2024. After so many years of faithful service, Decker felt he’d done enough to garner a little more respect. Instead, because he wouldn’t take a pay cut, the Lions unceremoniously released him. Since then, he hasn’t heard from them. Decker has been treated like an old truck left in a junkyard. Only one person has bothered to reach out. That is Ben Johnson.

Justin Roger of Detroit Football Network spoke with the veteran left tackle about the situation. Decker is hurt and confused by Detroit’s silent treatment. Johnson’s contact was both unexpected and welcome.

“Instead, it’s been radio silence. It’s uncomfortable. It’s awkward. It feels like a high school breakup, where you can’t make eye contact when passing each other in the hall. You know who did call Decker? Ben Johnson, his former offensive coordinator and head coach of the Chicago Bears. Not to recruit him to the division rival, but to check in, like a friend does.”

Johnson coached Decker for three years from 2022 through 2024, enjoying loads of success. In that time, they formed a tight bond. For all the talk about the young coach being too computer-brained and unapproachable, the truth is the complete opposite. He cares about his players. This moment is a perfect example of that.

Ben Johnson knows what he’s doing.

Yes, he absolutely reached out to Decker to check on how he’s doing. That part is true. However, it also served the dual purpose of keeping the Bears on his mind. After all, the team still doesn’t have a definitive left tackle. Right now, they’re facing a competition between Braxton Jones and Jedrick Wills, both coming off injuries. Decker represents a clear upgrade at the position for them, even in his 30s. Now, as the relationship between him and the Lions grows a little bitter, he might be motivated to join a team that gives him a chance to remind them of what they let go.

The core issue for Chicago has been price. Decker, as the proven veteran he is, will likely command a large number on his next contract, even if it’s only for one year. The Bears aren’t in a position to give him one. That said, if the left tackle were willing to give them a steep discount, that might change matters. It’s not like Decker needs the money, and getting the chance to play for Ben Johnson again might seem more appealing by the day. Much may depend on the upcoming draft.

The Bears may decide to go offensive tackle early.

General manager Ryan Poles has pulled up to two recent pro days featuring prominent tackle prospects Kadyn Proctor and Max Iheanachor. Both are projected to go in the 1st round. There is a good chance that at least one of them will be available at #25 overall. If it goes that way, signing Decker is unlikely. However, if the board falls such that they do grab a tackle, this is something they may wish to revisit. There is no pressure to make a move right now.

Decker is a veteran. He’s at that point in his career where he doesn’t need minicamps or OTAs to get himself ready for a season. Besides, he knows Johnson’s offense as well as anybody. If the Bears aren’t comfortable with their tackle situation by the start of training camp, they could place that phone call. Of course, this is presuming another team doesn’t sign Decker before then. One thing we know for sure is this deal would come together fast if Ben Johnson decides to push for it.

The Chicago Bears taught us a lesson last year. Stop looking at positional need as the driving force of what they do in the draft. Not a single person had tight end even in the top three of positional needs going into the 2025 draft. That didn’t stop Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson from taking Colston Loveland 10th overall. Yet even now, lots of people are looking at the team’s 25th overall pick through the lens of what their biggest needs are. Growing evidence suggests that it is a mistake.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune has dropped hints for weeks that the organization is operating with a different perspective than fans and media. The Bears understand they still have needs at several positions, but they can’t focus solely on filling them. They must stay true to their board. All options must remain open. That is why wide receiver is considerably higher on the list that people are talking about. Biggs seems confident that Chicago will grab one even as early as the 1st round.

The Bears have four picks in the first two days of the draft: Round 1 (No. 25), Round 2 (57), Round 2 (60) and Round 3 (89). We can call those their early selections.

My hunch is they would draft a receiver before a running back. I say that because teams can do well with running backs selected on Day 3, and the Bears certainly did with Kyle Monangai last year.

Here are some positions to keep in mind when wondering about the picks in Rounds 1-3: edge rusher, safety, center, wide receiver, defensive tackle, cornerback, linebacker.

The Chicago Bears have good reasons for this.

For one, their wide receiving corps took a hit this offseason. D.J. Moore, their biggest playmaker over the past three years, was traded to Buffalo due to salary cap problems. Olamide Zaccheaus also left in free agency for Atlanta. Last but not least, kick returner Devin Duvernay departed for Arizona. While the Bears still have Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, the overall depth of the position took a considerable hit over the past month. That is, even with the arrival of veteran Kalif Raymond to fill some of the void.

Then you have the uncertainty at the top. Odunze and Burden are unquestionably talented and have flashed brilliance. The problem is that both have some concerns. Odunze missed much of last season with a lingering foot injury. Burden still suffers from consistency issues that require work to smooth out. After that, you have Jahdae Walker, a former undrafted free agent who had some nice plays as a rookie but is still a work-in-progress. It’s not hard to see why the Bears would prefer adding some insurance to the mix. Here are some names almost certain to be high on their board.

Makai Lemon (USC)

When Amon-Ra St. Brown is dropped as a pro comparison, you immediately know Ben Johnson sits up in his chair. After all, Colston Loveland was compared to Sam LaPorta. Lemon isn’t a speed demon, but he doesn’t need to be. He’s a sharp route-runner who creates space for himself quite often. Yet even when he doesn’t, he has the toughness and strong hands to make catches in tight coverage. His footwork is surprisingly advanced for someone his age, and he doesn’t ignore his duties as a run-blocker. Posting 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns last season despite middling quarterback play only helps his case.

Germie Bernard (Alabama)

For all the hype Ryan Williams has gotten down in Tuscaloosa since his breakout freshman season, it wasn’t him who Ty Simpson looked for in key situations most of last season. That was Bernard. It isn’t hard to see why. At first, you don’t get overwhelmed by the receiver. He’s 6’1″, 206 lbs, and has good-not-great speed. What separates him from others in this class is his route-running. He has that critical mix of great acceleration, sudden quickness, and the agility to rapidly change directions. Another big selling point is his YAC ability, making him a more versatile weapon for creative offensive minds.

Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)

Plenty of players contributed to the Hoosiers’ national championship run, and Cooper was among the biggest. He is one of those guys where you must get the ball in his hands as often as possible just to see what he does. He has Deebo Samuel skills, mixing the smooth route-running with a rugged, physical style of play. He welcomes contact, can fight through it, and has a keen nose for the end zone. The big issue the Chicago Bears will have to determine is whether he can improve his efforts in run-blocking. That has been a considerable sticking point for several draft evaluators.

Malachi Fields (Notre Dame)

Conversely, Fields might be the best run-blocker in the entire draft. He’s big, strong, and aims to physically dominate on every rep. Yet that isn’t the only selling point. Fields is your quintessential big wide receiver. He understands how to use his size to his advantage, constantly boxing out defenders for tough catches in traffic. His large wingspan allows him to go up and get the ball. He’s somebody who thrives on third down and in the red zone. Teams will knock him for his lack of speed. That isn’t his game. For what the Chicago Bears’ offense likes to do, he would be a great fit.

De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss)

The fact that they already met with him should tell you they’re interested. Stribling is one of those receivers who does everything well. He’s a good route-runner, has legitimate vertical speed, plays his best in big games, and is a competitive blocker. The downside with him is how often he comes up short in contested-catch situations. He has the size to win his share of battles, but doesn’t do so often enough. Drafting him will depend on how much the Bears think they can help with that, or if they’re willing to live with it. There is plenty he can do for an offense. He is an easy player to like on tape.