It’s been a busy few days for the Chicago Bears, where general manager Ryan Poles has made some tough but necessary moves in building his roster. With free agency about to kick off, it’s going to get even busier.
Free agency and the start of the new league year officially starts Wednesday at 3 p.m. CT. But before then, the legal tampering period opens on Monday at 11 a.m. CT, which is when we’ll start hearing about pending transactions.
The Bears will have around $75 million in salary cap space, according to Spotrac, which is the most in the NFL. Chicago has 28 in-house free agents after some early moves including re-signing Patrick Scales, Khari Blasingame and tendering Josh Blackwell.
Here’s a look at the Bears players set to hit the free agent market this week:
1
RB David Montgomery
Montgomery was a key part of the Bears’ top-ranked rushing attack in 2022 and a consistent offensive playmaker. Both Montgomery and Poles have expressed their desire for the fourth-year running back to remain in Chicago. But that doesn’t guarantee a return.
2
LB Nicholas Morrow
Morrow had a career year with the Bears and was one of Poles’ best free agent additions. Morrow stepped up at WILL linebacker when Roquan Smith was traded. Still, there are upgrades available in free agency.
3
WR Byron Pringle
The Bears took a swing with Pringle, who had flashes during his time with the Chiefs. But the Pringle experiment was a failure, due to injuries and lack of production. Chicago will look for a fresh start at receiver.
4
OL Sam Mustipher
Given Mustipher’s experience at center (he’s started all but one game in the last two years), it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him back in Chicago — albeit in a reserve role.
5
OL Riley Reiff
Reiff stepped up at right tackle for the Bears in 2022, which earned him strong praise from Poles. Still, Reiff is 34 and have guys like Larry Borom and Alex Leatherwood as reserve options at tackle.
6
S DeAndre Houston-Carson
Houston-Carson has been a mainstay on the Bears, and he was one of three players that Poles brought back in his first year as GM. Houston-Carson has been a valuable contributor on special teams and as a reserve on defense. It’s an easy decision to bring the special teams leader back for another year.
7
DT Armon Watts
Watts was claimed off waivers by Chicago ahead of the regular season, and he ended up serving as a key contributor along the defensive line. While the Bears could bring him back as a rotational piece, it seems likely that they’re going to overhaul most of the defensive line.
8
DT Angelo Blackson
Blackson started the year as a starter, but that lasted just three games before he was replaced by Watts. That, coupled with the fact that he’s not a scheme fit for Eberflus’ defense, it’s easy to put the pieces together that he won’t be back in 2023 (although he’ll still be on the books for $500,000).
9
WR N’Keal Harry
The Bears traded a seventh-round pick for Harry this offseason, but an ankle injury sidelined him for a good chunk of 2022. He did show his playmaking potential and a nice chemistry with Justin Fields. But unless Harry’s willing to come back at a hometown discount, it seems unlikely he returns.
10
TE Ryan Griffin
While Griffin did have some productive plays as a blocker, there wasn’t much else to see from him in 2022. The Bears will look to bring in a tight end who can complement Cole Kmet, and Griffin isn’t that guy.
11
LB Matt Adams
While the Bears will look to upgrade at linebacker, bringing back a veteran like Adams — especially one who has a good understanding of Matt Eberflus’ defense — would make sense at the SAM spot.
12
OL Michael Schofield
Schofield served as a key reserve along the interior of the offensive line, playing both left and right guard. The hometown product isn’t a must-sign, but he could make for solid veteran depth.
13
DT Mike Pennel
Pennel served as a key rotational piece along the defensive line, where he made an impact in limited action. Pennel is certainly someone the Bears could consider bringing back as key depth, but he’s definitely replaceable.
14
LB Joe Thomas
Thomas was a key contributor at linebacker for the Bears, where he stepped up when called upon. While they could bring him back at the SAM spot, they might lean toward Adams.
15
WR Dante Pettis
Pettis was more involved on offense than anyone expected in 2022, as well as a key special teams contributor. But the Bears will look to upgrade at receiver this offseason. If the Bears can find a punt returner elsewhere, Pettis won’t be back.
16
TE Trevon Wesco
Wesco started the year as TE3 behind Kmet and Griffin, but he saw his reps increase and eventually surpassed Griffin on the depth chart. Wesco was a solid blocker, and he’s someone who could certainly be back in 2023. But the Bears might look elsewhere.
17
S Dane Cruikshank
Cruikshank was expected to be a situational contributor for the Bears. But he was unable to stay healthy, and ended the year on injured reserve. Chicago could bring him back on another one-year deal, but there should be other options.
18
OL Dakota Dozier
Dozier was lost for the season back in minicamp after suffering a left leg injury. The Bears will look to overhaul the offensive line, and it seems unlikely Dozier factors into their plans, even as a reserve.
19
RB Darrynton Evans
Evans played in just six games last season, where he did have more success than rookie Trestan Ebner. Evans could be a depth option to bring back. But Chicago could also turn elsewhere, including the NFL draft, to add a new face to the mix.
20
QB Nathan Peterman
Peterman saw action in three games, including one start, in 2022. But the hope is the Bears will look to bring in a young quarterback to develop behind Fields. Peterman’s services shouldn’t be needed.
21
QB Tim Boyle
Boyle was signed as an emergency option when both Justin Fields and Trevor Siemian went down. He appeared in the season finale against the Vikings, where he split time with Peterman. Boyle won’t be back.
22
CB Breon Borders
Borders appeared in the Bears’ season finale against the Vikings. But considering some of the other young, developmental defensive backs (Jaylon Jones, Josh Blackwell), it’s not likely Borders returns.
23
LB Javin White
White suffered a torn ligament back in training camp, and he’s slated to become a restricted free agent. It’s hard to see him being retained.
24
LB Elijah Lee
Lee was signed to the roster after Jack Sanborn was placed on IR. He appeared in three games, where he totaled two tackles. Lee doesn’t factor into the future at linebacker.
25
EDGE Andre Anthony
Anthony signed with the Bears practice squad last September, but he doesn’t figure to factor into their plans at defensive end moving forward.
