I don’t think too many [Chicago Bears](https://www.windycitygridiron.com/) fans are disappointed with how the Bears' free agency period began before the league officially opens on March 12th.
Even if fans wanted a different player (like Khalil Mack), the Bears attacked where they needed to, beefing up both the offensive and defensive lines.
Certainly, some of the Bears' holes (mostly depth pieces) will be filled from the [NFL Draft](https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft), but there are still certain holes on the roster that cannot wait until that point. Let’s quickly take a look.
In the secondary, the Bears are pretty set, yes, they could re-sign Jaylon Jones or add a depth piece, but if they reached the NFL Draft with this group of players on the roster, there would be no concerns.
With the linebackers, the Bears need to add another linebacker. If the Bears keep Jack Sanborn, that would solve that issue, but if Sanborn departs for a new team, they are going to need to add a piece here behind Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards.
Across the defensive line, the Bears are probably comfortable with where they are at across the interior after the signing of Grady Jarrett. The Bears have an excellent 3-tackle rotation and still have Chris Williams, Jonathan Ford, and Zacch Pickens. While that isn’t the strongest group battling for the fourth tackle, it’s certainly good enough to enter the draft where there is a strong chance the Bears will add another IDL.
Edge is interesting. The Bears 100% have a massive hole for the third defensive edge on the team. Austin Booker currently has that spot and there is just no way the Bears would be comfortable with just handing that job to Booker after his 2024 season. If the Bears don’t choose to add another veteran edge over the next week or two, in my opinion, that’s going to telegraph a massive need for an edge in the draft. That need wouldn’t be filled later in the draft either, that would be an obvious pick at 10 or with one of their second-round picks.
The Bears have re-signed a lot of key special teamers off last year’s squad, but they haven’t signed a returner. That’s a gaping hole right now. The Bears need to add a receiver that can return kicks and punts, or add a true returner in special teams. They can’t expect to find someone to return punts and kicks in the NFL Draft. They might find one, but they can’t expect it.
Offensively, the Bears don’t have a second TE, and if they leave that position unfilled, that would telegraph another position they 100% plan to draft this year. You can find solid tight end prospects on day three, so it wouldn’t necessarily have to be something they address on day one or day two.
I think the Bears will absolutely draft a running back, but they really don’t have to sign another one right now, especially if they believe Ian Wheeler can be productive in the RB4 role this season. Wheeler perhaps could be someone that could help as a kick returner.
I would expect the Bears to sign a veteran quarterback at some point, but nothing more than a vet minimum guy, someone in the Brett Rypien or Nathan Peterman-type level. I would expect that to come, but I don’t think it’s currently pressing.
Across the offensive line, it would make sense for the Bears to sign one more veteran. If Matt Pryor doesn’t find a new home, his versatility would be a welcome return to the offensive line. I would expect Pryor to hold out for a potential starting role with another team, or at least a chance to compete for a starting role. Pryor’s only chance to start in Chicago right now is left tackle, and that’s not something he would want to bank on. If Pryor re-signs in Chicago, it would almost certainly be with his full understanding that he would be a backup.
Finally, that brings us to wide receiver. We saved it for last, and it’s certainly not least. The WR3 position is the largest hole remaining on this roster. Yes, some of these other positions are needed, but the Bears need to find someone reliable to fill this role.
There’s been plenty of talk about Tim Patrick, but could he handle the WR3 role, or would he be more in a WR4 role? Tyler Scott shouldn’t be higher than WR5 heading into training camp based on his work in 2024.
The Bears don’t need to land a WR3 as high profile as Keenan Allen, but they do need to find someone. Perhaps someone like Elijah Moore could fit that role. Moore has averaged 550 yards a season over his four-year career and shouldn’t cost too much either.
The Bears filled plenty of massive holes during the first wave of free agency, but as teams settle into wave two and look to fill remaining holes, the Bears must find a third wide receiver and a third linebacker. Other than that, if they choose to leave certain holes unfilled before the draft, they will be telegraphing some of their draft plans.