In their first season with Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears didn’t perform great. Still, they had a lot to build off of, which makes this Chicago Bears free agency exciting if you are a fan. There are a number of holes to fill on this team, but under new head coach Ben Johnson, there are good building blocks with Williams, D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze.
Either way, the Bears need to continue to add to their team if they want to be competitors in a good NFC North division. Below, we have three Chicago Bears free agency targets as well as team needs.
Chicago Bears Team Needs | NFL Free Agency 2025
When looking at continuing Williams’ development, the number one thing that probably needs to be addressed in the offseason, whether it be through free agency or the draft, is the offensive line. Williams was the most-sacked quarterback in the league last year. In terms of other positions of need, the Bears may need to look to their defense, as well as receiving corps.
- Interior Offensive Line
- Edge Rusher
- Interior Defensive Line
- Running Back
- Wide Receiver
Chicago Bears Free Agency Targets
Tim Patrick, WR
While wide receiver is probably not the top need in free agency for the Bears, they do have an opportunity to pick up a player who should be somewhat cheap. Given that he is a pending free agent and that the Detroit Lions don’t lose a lot by not bringing him back, I am wondering if Tim Patrick could end up in Chicago. Patrick has some familiarity with Ben Johnson given their time together in Detroit.
Patrick doesn’t really fill their need to add a slot if they lose Keenan Allen in free agency, but he does give them great depth behind D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze. Patrick sat behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in the Lions’ offense last season, but became a somewhat reliable target for Jared Goff when he was on the field, totaling 394 yards and three touchdowns on 33 receptions. It feels like he good join Chicago and easily transition giving Johnson a little familiarity as he brings his scheme over to the Bears.
Drew Dalman, C
The matter of the fact here for the Chicago Bears is that they need a veteran up front who can build a connection with Williams. There has been recent news that the Bears will trade for All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, which will be a massive help. Of course, Chicago will still need more help.
It sounds like the Atlanta Falcons will part ways with Drew Dalman, who has started 40 games over the last three seasons. Given the fact that Chicago is preparing to lose all three of their starters last season on the offensive line, going after a consistent starting veteran, who has been good in his time on the field, is the key to rebuilding that bad offensive line.
Looking at the available free-agent offensive linemen, Dalman seems like the best option at the center position, given that he will only be 26 years old when the new season kicks off. Keeping Williams upright and healthy has to be the top goal for the Bears this season. Spending some money on someone who can anchor an offensive line is a great first step at doing so.
Josh Sweat, EDGE
After coming off of yet another productive season in Philadelphia, edge rusher Josh Sweat is set to make some money in NFL Free Agency. While in-division rivals like the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions could be the teams at the top of signing Sweat, keep your eyes on the Bears making a run at the Super Bowl Champion. While he has been a really good piece to the Eagles over the past couple of seasons, he made his name known after totaling six tackles and 2.5 sacks against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
With Montez Sweat already on the defensive line, getting him help will allow Sweat to see fewer double teams and be able to work at what he does best. Signing Sweat in free agency gives the Bears some flexibility to draft an interior defensive lineman or two while not having to rely on a rookie to make an instant impact on the outside.
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