The Chicago Bears have a much stronger roster in place for the 2025 season after an aggressive NFL offseason in which they rebuilt the interior of their offensive line and acquired multiple new pass-catchers for quarterback Caleb Williams.
Even still, the Bears have some weak points they could stand to address before sliding into the start of training camp in late July. They did not make a substantial addition to their running back room in the offseason, as they suggested they might. They also have some questions about their pass rushers in Dennis Allen’s aggressive new defense.
Here are three unsigned free agents who could interest the Bears before camp:
1.) Matthew Judon, DE
GettyFree-agent pass rusher Matthew Judon.
The Bears signed former Indianapolis Colts veteran Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million contract in free agency and will likely start him opposite Montez Sweat to begin the 2025 season, but their pass-rushing plans behind them are currently shaky. They are counting on Austin Booker, a 2024 fifth-round pick, to take a step forward in his development and show he can contribute as their No. 3 pass rusher. If Allen and his new coaches have their doubts about him, though, they may seek more outside help.
That’s where Judon could make sense. The Bears showed an interest in trading for the four-time Pro Bowler before the New England Patriots dealt him to the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the 2024 season. While Judon struggled with the Falcons and tallied just 5.5 sacks as a 15-game starter, Chicago may feel he fits better as a rotational pass rusher who can work in specific packages instead of depending on him as a three-down player.
Projected contract offer: One year, $7 million
2.) Brandon Scherff, OG
GettyFree-agent guard Brandon Scherff.
The Bears made three aggressive moves to secure the interior of their offensive line in the offseason, trading to acquire Pro Bowl left guard Joe Thuney and right guard Jonah Jackson and signing center Drew Dalman to a $42 million deal on the first day of NFL free agency. Now, Chicago has three starter-caliber veterans under contract for the next three seasons with high hopes about their ability to help keep Williams on his feet.
Unfortunately, the depth behind the Bears’ new interior starters is not as reliable. Ryan Bates — who missed most of 2024 with an injury that made him consider retirement — might be their top backup at all three positions and has proven nothing since arriving in Chicago via trade last offseason. If the Bears want more reliability, they could kick the tires on Scherff, who is one of the top remaining free agents after allowing zero sacks and one quarterback hit on 1,013 total snaps for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024.
While Scherff might prefer a landing spot with a clear path to a starting job, the Bears could potentially sign him at an affordable rate if he is open to playing in Chicago. They could even cut loose Bates and create $3.5 million in cap space to make it easier to do.
Projected contract offer: One year, $8 million
3.) Gus Edwards, RB
GettyFree-agent running back Gus Edwards.
The Bears have not changed much about their running back room this offseason. They added former Rutgers standout Kyle Monangai in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft, but they will otherwise return the same faces: D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer and Ian Wheeler (who spent the 2024 season on the injured reserve list). Naturally, that has led to constant rumblings about the Bears pursuing another back.
If the Bears decide to add someone, the trade market might give the best options, but Edwards would also be a worthy consideration if they prefer to sign a free agent. The 30-year-old averaged just 3.6 yards per carry for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, but he rushed for a career-high 13 touchdowns for the Baltimore Ravens one year earlier and is a good power-rushing complement for Swift at 6-foot-1 and 238 pounds.
Projected contract offer: One year, $2.5 million
3 Free Agents Bears Could Sign Before 2025 Training Camp