NFL’s free agency officially begins Wednesday, March 15 at 3 p.m. CT, but the Chicago Bears have already been making plenty of moves in terms of cuts and trades ahead of the start of the new league year.
The negotiating period is officially underway, which is when we should start to hear about potential signings.
The Bears are slated to have roughly $75 million in salary cap space, according to Spotrac, which gives general manager Ryan Poles plenty of room to work with in building his roster.
We’re monitoring all of the cuts, re-signings, trades, restructures and new signings from early March through free agency, which officially kicks off Wednesday.
Bears Wire is your source to track the comings and goings between now and throughout free agency. Be sure to check back for updates!
Bears to sign DE DeMarcus Walker
The Bears made their first defensive line move of free agency with defensive end DeMarcus Walker. It’s a three-year, $21 million deal for Walker, per Sun-Times‘ Patrick Finley.
Seahawks to sign DT Dre'Mont Jones
Dre’Mont Jones, the best defensive tackle left on the market, was someone Bears fans were keeping an eye on. Jones signed a three-year, $51.53 million deal with $23.5 million guaranteed in Year 1.
Full terms for the #Seahawks and DT Dre'Mont Jones:
— 3 years, $51.53M
— $23.5M in Year 1
— $35.02M over two years.— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023
Bears were interested in Bobby Okereke earlier in the day
Before the Bears signed Edmunds to a massive deal, they were interested in Bobby Okereke at linebacker before pivoting, according to Ari Meirov.
#Bears were in on Okereke earlier today before pivoting. #Giants get him. https://t.co/NKlR90OJeY
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 13, 2023
Bears expected to sign LB Tremaine Edmunds to 4-year deal
The Bears signed linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million deal with $50 million guaranteed. It’s the largest four-year contract for an inside linebacker in the NFL.
Bears signing LB Tremaine Edmunds to 4-year, $72M deal with $50M guranteed. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/583G7clDpk
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2023
Bears expected to sign OG Nate Davis to 3-year deal
The Bears signed offensive guard Nate Davis to a three-year, $30 million deal with $19.25 million guaranteed.
Bears to sign G Nate Davis to 3-year deal. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/FLsJFkrfkP
— NFL (@NFL) March 13, 2023
Browns are re-signing C Ethan Pocic
Another offensive line option is off the board for the Bears as the Browns are re-signing center Ethan Pocic, per Josina Anderson. It’s a three-year deal worth $18 million, according to Mike Garafolo.
Done deal for #Browns C Ethan Pocic to stay in Cleveland. He gets $18 million in base value on a three-year deal with more available via incentives. https://t.co/kTlbkE2R2j
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023
Bears showing interest in C Jake Brendel
The Bears are among several teams showing interest in former 49ers center Jake Brendel, according to Aaron Wilson.
#Texans #Bears #Giants #Browns #Jets and #49ers have all displayed interest in veteran center Jake Brendel, per a league source. Competitive situation in center market
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 13, 2023
OT Jawaan Taylor to sign with Chiefs
Another offensive tackle is off the board for the Bears as Jawaan Taylor is signing with the Chiefs. It’s a four-year, $80 million deal with $60 million guaranteed. Kansas City is expected to move on from Orlando Brown Jr., who could be a. candidate to land with Chicago.
Former Jaguars’ OT Jawaan Taylor reached agreement on a four-year, $80 million deal, including $60M gtd, with the KC Chiefs, per sources. Deal negotiated and confirmed by Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. pic.twitter.com/jm0XYJUtTy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
49ers to sign DT Javon Hargrave
The 49ers are signing Bears free agent defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a massive four-year, $84 million deal that includes $40m guaranteed, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Former Eagles’ DT Javon Hargrave has reached agreement on a four-year, $84 million deal that includes $40m guaranteed at signing with the SF 49ers, per sources. Deal negotiated and confirmed by Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha. pic.twitter.com/9ez66A8ymq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
Broncos to sign RT Mike McGlinchey
While the Bears were the favorites to land Mike McGlinchey, the Broncos are expected to sign him, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini.
RT Mike McGlinchey is expected to sign with the Denver Broncos, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 13, 2023
Bears expected to be in the running for OG Isaac Seumalo
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Bears are expected to be players for offensive guard Isaac Seumalo.
Former #Eagles exec Ian Cunningham now assistant GM with the #Bears. Expect them to be players for G Isaac Seumalo as well. https://t.co/Nbn7kd5oiC
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023
Bears to sign LB TJ Edwards
The Bears are expected to sign linebacker TJ Edwards, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. It’s a three-year deal worth $19.5 million.
He gets $19.5M over 3 years, source said. $12M guaranteed. A big signing for Chicago, and not the last. https://t.co/HSeLf0z6IB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2023
Bears expected to show interest in DT Dre'Mont Jones
The Bears are in need of a disruptive three-technique, and Dre’Mont Jones could be that guy. According to Broncos insider Benjamin Allbright, the Bears are among the teams expected to be interested in Jones.
Browns expected to show interest in Nicholas Morrow
According to Browns reporter Brad Stainbrook, Cleveland is expected to show interest in former Bears linebacker Nicholas Morrow, who is one of Chicago’s top free agents to hit the open market.
C Ethan Pocic expected to re-sign with Browns
Ethan Pocic is expected to be a top interior offensive lineman in free agency. But according to Mary Kay Cabot, Pocic is expected to re-sign with the Browns soon.
Bears interested in re-signing David Montgomery
David Montgomery is the team’s biggest free agent, and back in January, GM Ryan Poles made it known that Chicago would like to bring him back. That still remains the case, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. But it sounds like Montgomery will still test the free agent market.
Bears trade No. 1 pick, acquire WR DJ Moore
The Bears made a blockbuster trade with the Panthers, sending the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft for two first-rounders (including No. 9 in 2023), two second-rounders and wide receiver DJ Moore. GM Ryan Poles managed to get it done ahead of free agency, which allows him to focus on other needs.
Bears re-signing LS Patrick Scales
The Bears are bringing back long snapper Patrick Scales for another year, and he remains the team’s longest-tenured player. Scales is coming off another solid year with the Bears, where he was the lone Chicago player to receive a single All-Pro vote for 2022. Now, the core special teams group remains in tact heading into 2023.
Bears re-signing FB Khari Blasingame
The Bears are re-signing fullback Khari Blasingame to a two-year deal, according to his agency Team IFA. Blasingame served as the lead blocker for the NFL’s top run game from last season, and it’s a solid signing for Chicago to keep an important part of their offense in place.
Bears tender exclusive rights free agents
The Bears tendered three exclusive rights free agents in cornerback Josh Blackwell, offensive lineman Dieter Eiselen and defensive lineman Andrew Brown to one-year deals.
Bears release DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
The Bears released defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad after a disappointing 2022 season, and he became the first cap casualty of Chicago’s offseason. His release freed up $3.96 million in salary cap space. With Muhammad gone, Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson are the only viable options off the edge.
