Bears' Last-Minute Guide to 2024 NFL Free Agency
Plenty of eyes will be on the Chicago Bears during the 2024 offseason. Not only do the Bears own the No. 1 pick in April's draft—courtesy of the Carolina Panthers—but they may also soon move quarterback Justin Fields.
However, Chicago's quarterback situation isn't the only reason fans should be following along this offseason. The Bears saw an in-season turnaround in 2023—especially on defense—and won five of their final eight games.
While much of the coaching staff has changed, head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles are back for another run. It's not at all unrealistic to believe that with a few more roster pieces in place, Chicago can be a playoff contender.
What should be on the Bears' to-do list this offseason? Here, you'll find one last look at Chicago's top impending free agents, team needs, potential free-agent targets and cap situation.
Overview
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Projected Cap Space: $63.6 Million
The biggest question the Bears must answer this offseason is what to do at quarterback. All signs seemingly point to Chicago using the No. 1 pick on USC quarterback Caleb Williams and making Fields available in a trade.
"Justin's going to be gone," one NFL scout said, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns and Kevin Fishbain. "That writing is on the wall."
Regardless of who the Bears plan to have under center in Week 1, the offseason approach should be the same. Chicago has the foundation of a stout defense and needs one or two more playmakers there. Offensively, it needs to flesh out a supporting cast that couldn't quite elevate Fields consistently in 2023.
The good news is that Chicago has plenty of cap space with which to work this offseason. Even after extending star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, the Bears have the financial flexibility to chase some of the top names on the open market—adding a new quarterback on a rookie contract would further help in that regard.
Expect the Bears to be active early, often and throughout free agency.
Notable Free Agents
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RB D'Onta Foreman
C Lucas Patrick
DT Justin Jones
TE Marcedes Lewis
WR Darnell Mooney
Edge Yannick Ngakoue
QB Nathan Peterman
TE Robert Tonyan
The other good news for Chicago is that it doesn't have many pending free agents who absolutely must be re-signed. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney might fit most closely with that category since he was a serviceable No. 2 behind D.J. Moore last season. However, even Mooney could be replaced without the Bears losing much.
Center Lucas Patrick is in a similar position, though he did finish last year on injured reserve with a calf ailment.
Defensive tackle Justin Jones has been a solid contributor, running back D'Onta Foreman was a nice fill-in in 2023, and tight ends Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan provided good depth. However, there isn't a player among the group that Chicago couldn't afford to replace.
The same can be said for quarterback Nathan Peterman, who provided veteran depth last season but rarely saw the field as Chicago turned to undrafted rookie Tyson Bagent when Fields was injured.
The Bears already took care of their one big free agent by tagging and then extending Johnson. While many teams will be focused on retaining their own players in the coming days, Chicago should largely be eyeing fresh talent.
Biggest Needs and Potential Targets
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Quarterback
Assuming the Bears do move on from Fields and draft Williams, it would make sense to have a veteran mentor in place to support the rookie. Peterman is likely out, and while Bagent did show flashes as a rookie, he doesn't have an overwhelming amount of experience to share.
It would behoove the Bears to target a quarterback who can play the bridge role, if needed, while showing the new QB the ins and outs of quarterbacking in the NFL.
Drew Lock, who played under new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron with the Seattle Seahawks, might be the ideal free-agent target. Other viable options to consider include Jacoby Brissett, Tyrod Taylor and Gardner Minshew.
Wide receiver
Regardless of what the Bears do at quarterback, it would be wise to add more receiving talent to the fold.
Mooney was a respectable second option, but he still finished the 2023 season with just 414 yards and a touchdown in 15 games. Chicago should be in the market for an upgrade both on the perimeter and in the slot.
Since Chicago has two first-round selections, it may look to pair Williams with one of the draft's talented receiver prospects. However, that plan shouldn't preclude the Bears from targeting a proven pass-catcher first.
While Mike Evans, Tee Higgins and Michael Pittman Jr. are now off the board—due to contract extension or the franchise tag—Chicago could still find value in a wideout like Calvin Ridley, Gabe Davis or Curtis Samuel.
Safety
Locking up Johnson was another smart move by Poles, and it should keep the Bears defense trending in a positive direction. If Chicago hopes to field a truly elite defense, though, it should continue seeking talent in the secondary.
Despite Johnson's strong play, Chicago ranked just 21st in net yards per pass attempt allowed and 25th in passing yards allowed. The Bears also parted with veteran safety Eddie Jackson in a cap-saving maneuver.
Chicago should be in the market for safety help, and luckily, there should be a deep talent pool. Antoine Winfield and Kyle Dugger were tagged, but veterans like Geno Stone, Kamren Curl, Justin Simmons and Xavier McKinney are still slated to be available.
Kevin Byard visited the Bears on Friday, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.
*Cap information via Spotrac.
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