The Chicago Bears are a rarity among teams who just drafted a rookie quarterback No. 1 overall, as the combination of Ryan Poles' savvy trades and a weak NFC gives them a very legitimate chance at making the postseason.
The acquisitions of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the 2024 NFL Draft coupled with the trade for Keenan Allen has the Bears poised to be a passing juggernaut, which is a rarity across the history of the franchise.
Still, the Bears are in a position to add veteran talent that can supplement what is still a very young team. With enough space to add a difference maker, the Bears need to keep a eye on role players who could fill a specific role and add their experience to the mix.
The Bears should consider splashing the cash and signing one of these four free agents, all of whom have plenty of gas left in the tank.
4 sleeper free agents the Chicago Bears should sign before training camp
EDGE Carl Lawson
Lawson was a member of a loaded Jets pass rush that did not afford him many opportunities to get on the field due to injuries. While extremely productive and disruptive when healthy, his body ruined his Jets career. Chicago could give him enough reps to possibly get back on track.
DT Al Woods
Woods was also on last year's Jets, playing a very specific role as a space-eater who could be an effective run-stuffing tool. While my grandmother has more pass rush upside than Woods, the wily veteran is still good at what he does. A still suspect Bears defensive line could use a player like him.
SAF Jayron Kearse
A 6-4 defensive back who hits hard, Kearse started 42 games in three years for Dallas. A cheaper option than Eddie Jackson that has still been effective at covering ground in a defense not to dissimilar from Quinn's schematically, Kearse is one of the best free agenstsstill on the market.
C Connor Williams
Still recovering from a serious injury at the end of his 2023 campaign with the Dolphins, a healthy Williams is one of the few free agent interior offensive linemen that is worthy of a starting job. The Bears should be at the front of the line for his services, as they have enough depth to hold on for dear life until he is ready to get out there.