The Chicago Bears' offseason is winding to a close as draft fallout continues and attention turns to the summer ahead. Still, the franchise remains in a clear place to find potential upgrades with Spotrac projecting that Chicago has $11.5 million in remaining cap space. This is more than enough to add at least one final impact piece in free agency. There is no shortage of potential fits with a surprising number of accomplished free agents remaining.
Looking at Chicago's current roster, two areas of needed depth that jump out are on the receiver and edge rushing depth charts. While the talent at the top of both positions is impressive, the franchise is one injury away from being a clear concern at either position. With this in mind, there are four free agents remaining that remain clear fits for a Chicago team clearly poised to be atop the NFC's top contenders.
1. Deebo Samuel
If the season started today, it would be free agent signing Kalif Raymond expected to step into the third receiver role. The expectation remains that Luther Burden and Rome Odunze will continue to take steps forward and replace the loss of production of DJ Moore. However, there is no denying the potential of adding a more accomplished receiver as a third option. Samuel fits this perfectly as the pass catcher is starting to age and needs to take less punishment.
Head coach Ben Johnson always gets the most out of his playmakers and would offer Samuel both the chance to play a meaningful role and to compete with a team that has realistic Super Bowl expectations. It is at least worth exploring and would prevent the Bears from being one injury away at the position from having a real concern.
2. Haason Reddick
Reddick is a potential pass-rushing boost that presents a wildcard contributor. Reddick has offered only 3.5 sacks over the past two seasons. However, Reddick totaled double-digit sacks from the 2020-2023 seasons, offering a consistent threat off the edge. While there are no signs of Reddick turning back the clock over the past two seasons, it still presents the Bears with a potential wildcard and an experienced veteran to throw into the team's rotation.
To put it simply, there really isn't a downside to bringing in Reddick and seeing what production Chicago can find. At this point in the offseason, it is unlikely to be a deal with any guarantees of note and will allow the Bears to quickly turn the page if Reddick doesn't appear to be a capable contributor.
3. Keenan Allen
Bringing back Allen is absolutely on the table as the veteran pass catcher has produced at least 700 receiving yards each of the past two seasons. It makes sense to bring the receiver back with the expectations of a lesser role. Allen can thrive as the team's third option and allow Raymond to become the team's fourth receiver and focus on helping improve Chicago's return game as well.
Even if Allen takes a step back when it comes to production, there is a lot of value in having the veteran's influence around Odunze and Burden. Both pass catchers are looking to take the next step in their respective careers and could lean on the experience of a receiver who has been a consistent force of offense for the better part of a decade.
4. Cameron Jordan
Much of what was said about Allen at the receiver position applies to the aging edge rusher as well. Bringing in Jordan is in hopes of finding production, while understanding the immense value Jordan brings to the young pieces of the Chicago roster. While it will be odd to see Jordan out of a New Orleans uniform, it is clear that the Saints are moving in a younger direction.
For Chicago, it makes sense to bring in a potentially cheap source of pass rush and a potential mentor for younger defenders. It is at least worth exploring as Jordan continues to sit in free agency with a number of notable names at the position. There is a great chance Chicago could find a bargain and add to the perfect final piece after the offseason's defensive retooling.
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