The Chicago Bears lived in the trenches on the first day of 2025 NFL Free Agency.
During the opening minutes of the legal tampering window on Monday, the Bears' deal with free-agent center Drew Dalman was reported. Dalman inked a three-year deal with the Bears worth $42MM.
Following the addition of Dalman, the Bears' attention shifted to the defensive line. On Monday afternoon, the Bears signed edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to respective three-year deals.
An interesting side note, all of the deals the Bears agreed to on Monday were for three years. The same amount of years that Caleb Williams has remaining on his rookie contract before a decision is made on his fifth-year option. It's very clear that these moves are being made with the intent of the Bears contending over the next three years before they have to, in a best-case scenario, make Williams one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.
As Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Free Agency period, a look at the free agents the Bears need to pursue.
2025 NFL Free Agency Day 2 Targets
1. Tim Patrick, WR
All signs continue to point toward Keenan Allen not returning to the Bears. While Allen had expressed a desire to return to the Bears, Johnson doesn't use the slot receiver in the traditional sense. The slot receiver in Johnson's offense is usually used as an additional blocker. For that reason, Tim Patrick feels like a logical target for the Bears on Day 2. Patrick spent the 2024 season with the Detroit Lions, totaling 394 yards and 3 touchdowns on 33 receptions.
2. Jamaal Williams, RB
After totaling 17 touchdowns with the Detroit Lions in 2022, Jamaal Williams' two-year stint with the New Orleans Saints in 2023 and 2024 have been forgetful. Now a free agent, there could be some interest for the Bears given the connection to Ben Johnson. Given his struggles, signing Williams wouldn't prevent the Bears from taking a rookie running back on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
3. Matt Pryor, OL
There is no question tha the Bears' starting offensive line has been upgraded but the team is still in need of depth. Bringing back Matt Pryor would be an ideal move considering his ability to play both tackle and guard spots.