3 Vets the Bears Should Sign Before Training Camp Starts

Training camp for the Chicago Bears kicks off on Friday ahead of a season with high expectations.

The Bears added what is hopefully the solution to the seven-decade-long problem at quarterback in generational talent Caleb Williams. General manager Ryan Poles built out a stud receiver corp for the No. 1 overall pick by trading for Keenan Allen and drafting Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick.

The defense improved greatly toward the end of the 2023 season after Montez Sweat was added before the trade deadline. The hope is with a solid defense and Williams steering an explosive offense, the Bears can finally make the playoffs.

The worry right now is Williams and Odunze have not signed their rookie contracts. Really, it comes down to contract language and when bonuses will be paid out since the actual wages have already been collectively bargained. Williams and Odunze cannot hold out for money, so all they can do is use that as leverage for say avoiding offset language in a deal.

What should really worry Bears fans is a lack of depth at three key positions

The Bears are still thin at quarterback after Williams. Sure Tyson Bagent showed promise that he is a capable backup, but if the Bears have to roll with him for more than four games, the season's hopes are going to crater.

Edge rusher is still just Sweat and a rotational guy being asked to be a starter in DeMarcus Walker. Dominique Robinson has barely sniffed the quarterback since his first career game and Austin Booker is still very raw despite being taken by the Bears in this year's draft. The offensive line can always use depth at tackle.

Poles does tend to add a few veterans right before training camp so it would be nice if he added these three players.