After the initial chaos that was Wave 1 of NFL free agency, the Chicago Bears can say they have taken a softer approach, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Chicago went out and signed free agents like safety Coby Bryant and Devin Bush to highlight a not-so-loud class, thus far, but that doesn't mean they're done. General manager Ryan Poles can still go bargain hunting and potentially pursue bigger signings if the opportunity is right.
Looking at Wave 2 starting up, the Bears have an opportunity to address some key spots, but may also be sending a message in the process.
We make sense of four potential signings and what they would do by way of sending that message to a handful of veterans.
Ryan Poles could send a message to 4 key Chicago Bears veterans during Wave 2 of free agency
Jahdae Walker, WR
Free agent move to do it: Sign WR Josh Reynolds
In his limited time on the field, wide receiver Jahdae Walker has become a fan favorite. It isn't just his scoring celebration, but Walker has shown flashes to be a contributor at times.
The Bears still need to fill out some wide receiver depth, though, and could make one signing to end any Walker hype. By bringing in Josh Reynolds, who once played under Ben Johnson in Detroit from 2021-2023, the Bears could find their next Olamide Zaccheaus.
Reynolds is a veteran who can still be productive in a limited role, and if Chicago were to bring him in, that immediately puts Walker in danger of far less playing time, and we haven't even gotten to the draft yet.
Dayo Odeyingbo, DE
Free agent move to do it: Sign DE Cameron Jordan
Last year, the Bears gambled on Dayo Odeyingbo and lost. Even before his season-ending injury, Odeyingbo was anything but worth the money.
For the first time ever, Cameron Jordan could be playing in a non-New Orleans Saints uniform, and, for a Bears team in desperate need of edge help, he makes a ton of sense. The Bears are a contending team that needs pass rushers. Jordan is the ultimate teammate, locker room leader, and he's still got plenty in the tank, as evidenced by his 10.5 sacks in 2025.
If the Bears signed Jordan, then Odeyingbo immediately becomes the team's third rotational rusher -- and he could fall farther depending upon who Poles chooses to draft.
Roschon Johnson, RB
Free agent move to do it: Sign RB Dare Ogunbowale
At one point, Roschon Johnson had a good amount of hype. As Bijan Robinson's backup coming out of Texas, a lot of folks believed he'd have been a much higher pick if he were the Longhorns' starter. But now, he's almost a forgotten face.
Ben Johnson didn't draft him. If Johnson would rather find someone like a Dare Ogunbowale, who can offer strong value on third down and special teams, then Johnson's spot on this roster is as good as gone. And, Ogunbowale's skill set is perfect for what the Bears might be looking for. Johnson, meanwhile, doesn't offer much on special teams.
Tyrique Stevenson, CB
Free agent move to do it: Sign CB Cam Taylor-Britt
Out of these signings, Cam Taylor-Britt would be the biggest message sent. Taylor-Britt may still command $7-$10 million annually, and has what it takes to unseat Tyrique Stevenson as a starter.
Going into a contract year, Stevenson could use a little extra push, too. It might be good for him.
The Bears need a dependable starter opposite Jaylon Johnson, and if Stevenson thinks it's his job to lose without much competition, then that could equate to poor performance or less effort on the field. We know enough about Stevenson, now, to know that he's up and down.
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Meanwhile, Taylor-Britt is a former second-round pick who has been stuck on a terrible defense in Cincinnati. If an improved defensive unit, overall, could help unlock even more, he's worth a flier.