NFL free agency began with a tense first day of legal manipulation on Monday, with several major contracts being negotiated within the league.
The Chicago Bears made just one move on the first game day, agreeing to the terms of a three-year, $40.5 million contract with defenseman Larry Ogunjobi. But general manager Ryan Powles still has a lot of steps to go, especially as the second and third waves of free agency begin.
Here’s a look at the best free agents available that the Bears could target after the first day of the legal intervention period:
WR Juju Smith-Shuster
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The Bears have already shown interest in Juju Smith-Shuster, and he is still the best option for a wide receiver.
WR Allen Robinson
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It certainly doesn’t look like Allen Robinson is back in Chicago. But it is by far the best available.
WR Jarvis Landry
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Jarvis Landry was an unexpected figure on Day 1 of free agency, and he remains one of the top picks in a thinning wide receiver market.
WR Russell Gage
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Russell Gage is another intriguing wide receiver option where he has the opportunity to play when the opportunity presents itself. He would definitely be on the more accessible side.
WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
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The Bears are showing interest in Marquez Valdez-Scantling, which makes sense given his connection to offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
OT Terron Armstead
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Terron Armstead is the best player in the market ahead of Free Will Day 2. While it would be more expensive, it would be an impressive upgrade.
OT Eric Fisher
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Eric Fischer is arguably the more realistic option for the Bears in a left tackle, and the Colts connection certainly won’t hurt new head coach Matt Eberflux.
OT Duane Brown
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Duane Brown is another top tackle option on the market that bears might be interested in. He is solid on pass defense and solid on the run.
OG James Daniels
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On the first day, there was a surge in signings from inside offensive linemen, and James Daniels remains the best option to re-sign with the Bears.
C Bradley Bozeman
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The Bears need to take center stage, and the market has begun to thin. Bradley Bozeman is the best left center among free agents and is their top pick.
LB Bobby Wagner
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Bobby Wagner was unexpectedly fired by the Seahawks and he is by far the best linebacker. Although for the moment he is the target of the Dream Bears as Roquan Smith is to be paid.
LB Miles Jack
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Miles Jack was a surprise departure from the Jaguars on Tuesday after they spent a ton of money to beef up the free agency offense. The Bears should aim 100 percent for Jack, who is perfect for the linebacker role.
LB Anthony Walker Jr.
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The Bears need to find a middle linebacker and Anthony Walker is definitely one of the options. Walker previously played alongside Darius Leonard in Indianapolis, and a reunion with Matt Eberflux may be on the way.
LB Anthony Hitchens
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Anthony Hitchens has lost his baseball cap this offseason and he is most likely on the Bears’ radar. Because the Poles are from Kansas City, he’s seen Hitchens up close and knows what he can bring to the defense.
CB Casey Hayward
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Casey Hayward brought consistency to supporting roles during his time on Raiders, and he would be a great addition to a Jalon Johnson pairing.
CB Darius Williams
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Darius Williams is another cornerback who is expected to be drafted from the free agency market and would be an intriguing option for number two in Chicago.
CB Bryce Callahan
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Who’s Ready to Reunite in Chicago? Bryce Callahan is a good nickelback option for the Bears defense, who struggled in the slot last year.
CB Kyle Fuller
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Speaking of a reunion, the Bears can certainly target Kyle Fuller to fill the hole on the outside cornerback. It comes down a year and will be more affordable.
CB Donte Jackson
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Got questions for cornerback opposite Johnson ahead of the offseason. Perhaps Donte Jackson, who suffered a groin injury at the end of the season, could be the answer.
CB Xavier Rhodes
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Xavier Rhodes is definitely an option for the Bears to fill their cornerback need, and he will be available at a more affordable price than some others still on the market.
With Tyranne Mathieu
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Tyranne Mathieu is the best defender still on the market and he has no intention of renewing his contract with the Chiefs. Given the Ryan Poles connection, don’t rule out the potential signing of Mathieu.
With Marcus May
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Another top safe option is Marcus May, who was a strong player when he was on the field. Unfortunately, he was limited to six games in 2021 due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.
With Marcus Williams
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Marcus Williams is expected to be in high demand in the free agent market and should be of interest to the Bears. Although, he could get a significant contract.
With George Odum
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George Odum has mostly been a special teams player throughout his career, where he is the best option in safety. If Chicago decides to bring back DeAndre Houston-Carson or Deon Bush, Odum could be an option.