With the first major wave of free agency in the books, the Chicago Bears should be feeling mighty good about themselves.
It seems as though general manager Ryan Poles has finally figured out where to spend his team's assets, and fans have been more than appreciative. With the trenches being a priority over the past couple of weeks, the team's major weaknesses are looking a whole lot stronger.
So, who did the Bears sign over the first wave of free agency and how are we feeling about it?
Keep in mind, Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson were acquired via trade. It's safe to say fans are mostly thrilled with those two additions, so we'll leave it at that.
As for the major free agent acquisitions? Let's get to it.
The Bears get an overwhelming 'A' for the free agency work done thus far
Durham Smythe, Tight End
A quieter signing before the official period began, Durham Smythe comes in after having started last year as the Miami Dolphins' starting tight end. Behind Cole Kmet, Smythe will primarily act as a blocker and will likely rarely be used in the passing game. He's not going to 'wow' you with receiving prowess. But, it was a position Chicago needed to fill. An easy 1-year deal gives Ben Johnson someone familiar he's worked with before.
Grade: B+
Drew Dalman, Center
Chicago started their official free agency tour by signing Drew Dalman immediately as the gates opened. Largely viewed as the top free agent center on the market, the Bears got a deal done with Dalman, and at a reasonable price.
Grade: A+
Grady Jarrett, Defensive Tackle
The Atlanta Falcons waved goodbye to Grady Jarrett, and the Bears swooped in quickly to snatch him up. Though he's set to turn 32 years old, Jarrett is still an effective defensive lineman and someone who can be disruptive as a pass rusher from the interior.
He's clearly motivated to play his best football for the Bears and isn't looking behind him one bit. Fans are already loving the attitude he brings to the table. Now, we can't wait to see it on the field.
Grade: B
Dayo Odeyingbo, Defensive End
This is the one which has some fans split. Although paying a 25-year-old pass rusher $16 million annually when he hasn't posted over 8.0 sacks in a season can seem like a risk, Chicago is all-in on the potential here.
Odeyingbo has flashed some significant athleticism and playmaking ability. He can be a disruptor even if it doesn't equate to sacks. However, the contract does err on the side of being a risk. This fills a monstrous need, but at a price.
Grade: B-
Olamide Zaccheaus, Wide Receiver
To fill the role of their WR3, the Bears agreed with former Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus on a 1-year deal, who has also spent time with Philly and Atlanta. Zaccheaus is the perfect third option in this room. He isn't one who will command targets like a Keenan Allen would, but he's there to do his job when called upon.
Zaccheaus has finished three separate seasons with at least 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns, and that's right about where the Bears would love to see him in 2025 behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze leading the way.
Grade: A