Veteran Free-Agent Contracts Bears Must Consider Before Training Camp

The Chicago Bears have been known to be aggressive with their roster additions under general manager Ryan Poles.

The roster transformation that began two years ago has the Bears in position to contend in the NFC North in Caleb Williams' rookie season.

The Chicago roster is not a complete product yet, but it is impressive to see how much progress Poles has made with the squad in short time.

Chicago could continue to be aggressive on the free-agent market before training camp to provide the best competition possible at every position.

In some cases, the Bears could bring in players that fill specific roles further down the depth chart on offense to help with Williams' rookie campaign.

Justin Simmons

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DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 31, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Justin Simmons would fall in line with the aggressive nature of Poles' roster building.

The former Denver Broncos safety has been one of the best players at his position since he entered the league.

The Bears signed Kevin Byard to partner Jaquan Brisker, which would make you think they are satisfied at the position.

However, Byard struggled last season after he was traded to Philadelphia and there is the potential for that drop off to continue into 2024.

Byard was put into a tough situation with the Eagles in a downward spiral in the second half of 2023, but he also did not do anything to improve the situation.

Simmons would likely require a multi-year deal given his stature at the safety position, but if the Bears want to be super aggressive in the free-agent market, he could be worth the move.

Connor Williams

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Connor Williams #58 of the Miami Dolphins blocks during an NFL football game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

Chicago's more practical move is to look for veteran offensive linemen to compete for the center and right guard positions.

Connor Williams is one of the top interior offensive linemen left on the free-agent market. He could be coveted by a handful of contenders with weaknesses on the interior.

The Bears currently have Coleman Shelton at center and Nate Davis slotted into the right guard role. Davis is seen as the weakest link on the offensive line.

Williams played left guard for the Dallas Cowboys before he transitioned to center with the Miami Dolphins.

He not only has experience playing multiple spots on the offensive line, but he logged plenty of time playing for Super Bowl contenders as well. That intangible could be valuable to the Bears brass as they gear up for a potential run at the NFC North title.

Hunter Renfrow

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 07: Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow #13 of the Las Vegas Raiders is greeted by teammates during player introductions before a game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 27-14. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The Bears do not have to worry about the top of their wide receiver depth chart.

D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen will earn the majority of the targets from Caleb Williams in 2024.

The depth behind the top three is questionable with Tyler Scott, Velus Jones Jr. and Dante Pettis.

The Bears may not like what they see out of the second-tier trio and look to bring in a veteran to fill the No. 4 wide receiver spot.

Hunter Renfrow's career dropped off over the last few seasons in Las Vegas, but he fits what Chicago could use to complement Moore, Odunze and Allen.

Renfrow could be utilized in third-down situations in the tight pockets of space in the middle of the field.

The Bears just need a possession-based wide out like Renfrow to give Williams one more option in certain situations.

He certainly would not be an every-down player, but he could have some use when the Bears need to pick up first downs.