Free-Agent Contracts Bears Must Pursue After Preseason

Matt Eberflus has completed his first training camp as the Chicago Bears' head coach, and he's been on the sideline for a trio of preseason games. Now, it's almost time for him to lead the team into a regular-season contest for the first time.

The Bears are set to open the 2022 season on Sunday when they host the San Francisco 49ers. Chicago's roster has already been cut down to 53 players, but nothing is locked yet, especially with nearly a week to go until the first game.

So it's possible the Bears could make another move or two, as NFL teams are always striving to improve their rosters through all avenues. In fact, Chicago did that itself when it claimed players such as offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood and wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette off waivers during the past week.

With that in mind, here are several free-agent players who the Bears may want to consider targeting this week (or potentially further down the line).

Will Fuller, WR

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 03: Will Fuller #3 of the Miami Dolphins lines up against the Indianapolis Colts at Hard Rock Stadium on October 03, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Even after the addition of Smith-Marsette, Chicago's receiving corps is still lacking some big-time playmaking ability. Darnell Mooney is a clear top wide receiver, but the rest of the unit features players who are either unproven or have yet to break out.

If the Bears want to give quarterback Justin Fields another top target, why not try to sign Will Fuller? The 28-year-old remains a free agent, and he could provide a boost to Chicago's offense not only this season but possibly for multiple years.

Fuller put up solid numbers during his time with the Houston Texans from 2016-20, but he played only two games during his lone season with the Miami Dolphins in 2021, as he dealt with a finger injury. Fuller has big-play potential, though, if he's able to stay on the field.

Chicago needs Fields to take a big step forward this year, so it needs to assemble the best possible group of wide receivers. At this point, it could still get quite a bit better. So maybe the Bears could target a player such as Fuller to alleviate that issue.

Dede Westbrook, WR

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 07: Dede Westbrook #12 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)"nNo licensing by any casino, sportsbook, and/or fantasy sports organization for any purpose. During game play, no use of images within play-by-play, statistical account or depiction of a game (e.g., limited to use of fewer than 10 images during the game).

Fuller isn't the only intriguing wide receiver on the free-agent market. And there are some who may not be quite as costly. For example, Dede Westbrook is a low-risk, high-reward player who should be motivated to get his career back on track.

The 28-year-old Westbrook had a few solid years with the Jacksonville Jaguars early in his career, which included notching 66 receptions in both 2018 and 2019. He played only two games for the Jags in 2020, when he suffered a torn ACL. In 2021, Westbrook appeared in 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings, but he had only 10 catches for 68 yards.

Westbrook has great speed, which could be a valuable asset he'd bring to the Bears' offense. He likely wouldn't get much playing time at first, but he'd be solid depth and may put up solid numbers if eventually given an opportunity.

In some way, Chicago should try to add at least one more player to its receiving corps, whether that's Fuller, Westbrook or somebody else. Because that's one area where the team still lacks a bit of depth.

Kevin King, CB

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 19: Kevin King #20 of the Green Bay Packers warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The Bears have greatly improved at cornerback since last season, when the position was one of their biggest weaknesses. Jaylon Johnson remains the clear top player in the unit, while rookie Kyler Gordon is likely to make a quick impact.

But it can never hurt to have a lot of depth in the secondary, and while Chicago has some solid players like Jaylon Jones and Kindle Vildor, it could benefit from adding one more. That's why the Bears should consider signing a corner such as Kevin King.

The 27-year-old King has seven interceptions in 51 career games (all of which came with the Green Bay Packers), although five of those picks came in 2019. He's struggled to stay healthy the past two years, but if he can remain on the field, he's a valuable addition to a secondary.

If Chicago brought in King, it would take a solid secondary and likely turn it into one of the team's biggest strengths, especially on defense.