NFC North Free Agency Breakdown
Now that the first and biggest wave of NFL free agency is over, let’s take a look at how the Minnesota Vikings’ division opponents fared and what impact that may have on the division race this season. Chicago Bears The NFC North division champions of a year ago got there in large part due to turnovers. Their offense had the fewest in the league and their defense had the most.
But despite leading the league in interceptions, the Bears decided on a near complete overhaul of their defensive secondary. Overall, the Bears have been fairly active turning over their roster, but not necessarily for the better. Those listed in bold were starters.
Outgoing Players C Drew Dalman – retired WR D. J. Moore – traded to Bills LB Tremaine Edwards – released, signed by the Giants S Kevin Byard – free agent, signed by Patriots S Jaquan Brisker – free agent, signed by Steelers S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson – free agent, signed by Bills CB Nahshon Wright – free agent, signed by Jets TE Durham Smythe- free agent, signed by Ravens ED Dominique Robinson, free agent, signed by Texans WR Devin Duverney, free agent, signed by Cardinals DL Chris Williams, free agent, signed by Falcons S Jonathan Owens, free agent, signed by Colts DL Andrew Billings , free agent, signed by Cardinals WR Olamide Zaccheaus, free agent, signed by Falcons Of the Bears’ outgoing players, Drew Dalman, Nahshon Wright, and Kevin Byard made the Pro Bowl last year, and Byard was also named First-Team All-Pro.
Remaining Unsigned Free Agents ED Joe Tryon C Ryan Bates LB Amen Ogbongbemiga RB Travis Homer CB Nick McCloud LS Scott Daly LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin Incoming Players C Garrett Bradbury , acquired via trade from Patriots S Coby Bryant , free agent formerly with the Seahawks DL Neville Gallimore , free agent formerly with the Colts S Cam Lewis, free agent formerly with the Bills QB Case Keenum, free agent extension T Braxton Jones, free agent extension WR Kalif Raymond, free agent formerly with the Lions S Elijah Hicks , free agent extension DL Kentavious Street, free agent formerly with the Falcons G Jordan McFadden, free agent extension CB Jaylon Jones, free agent extension LB Devin Bush , free agent formerly with Browns LT Jedrick Wills, free agent formerly with Browns (didn’t play in 2025) LB D’Marco Jackson, free agent extension DE Daniel Hardy, free agent extension Projected starters in bold. The Bears swapped Bradbury for the retiring Dalman as their starting center, which is a downgrade. Bradbury was the 25th ranked center by overall PFF grade last season while Dalman was 7th and made the Pro Bowl.
Dalman’s retirement came as a surprise at age 27 and just one year after signing a big contract with the Bears. The Bears have Ozzy Trapilo penciled in as their starting left tackle, who was decent last season, but by extending Braxton Jones and taking a flyer on Jedrick Wills, they look to maintain competition. Defensively, Devin Bush was acquired to replace Tremaine Edwards, who didn’t perform up to his contract.
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