Bears Roll the Dice With 4 Bold Signings Before Camp originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With two weeks to go until training camp, the Bears are entering the final stretch of roster preparation—and the latest wave of additions has sparked quiet curiosity across Chicago. Four under-the-radar signings have surfaced ahead of camp, and while no blockbuster names were involved, the timing and nature of these deals have raised eyebrows. Depth, upside, and strategy seem to be the play. But what’s really going on behind the scenes?
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According to Just Another Year Chicago, the Bears have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, running back Travis Homer, and wide receivers Jahdae Walker and J.P. Richardson. Each of these signings falls in line with a low-risk, high-reward mindset that favors camp battles over splashy headlines.
LAKE FOREST, IL – JULY 30: A detail view of a Chicago Bears helmet is seen during the the Chicago Bears Training Camp on July 30, 2022 at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
It’s the kind of gritty, backdoor maneuvering that doesn’t turn heads—until it suddenly matters.
McFadden, a 6’5”, 315-pound tackle out of Clemson, brings size and versatility to the offensive line. A sixth-round pick in 2021, he started 38 games and was a key blocker during Clemson’s 2020 title run. His 3-year, $6M deal includes just $1.5M guaranteed—camp competition clearly baked into the structure. If he clicks, the Bears could have a steal on their hands.
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LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JUNE 03: Jordan McFadden #74 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 03, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Homer, a former Miami standout, signed a one-year, $1.2M “prove-it” contract. Known for his burst and hands, he also offers special teams value. He’s not going to bulldoze linebackers, but he’s slippery in space and dependable when the ball finds him. If nothing else, he gives the running back room a jolt of energy—and maybe even forces a tough decision come roster cutdowns.
Aug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer (20) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Walker and Richardson round out the group. Walker, undrafted out of Tennessee, posted 1,100 yards and 9 TDs in 2023 and is seen as a red-zone weapon in development. Think long strides, jump balls, and potential mismatch nightmares. Richardson, more polished, comes with reliable hands and route-running instincts but lacks elite speed.
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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – MARCH 27: Jahdae Walker of the Texas A&M Aggies participates in a drill during Texas A&M Pro Day at Coolidge Football Performance Center on March 27, 2025 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Maria Lysaker/Getty Images)
Still, the $2.2M RFA tender says the Bears see something. Maybe it’s locker room IQ. Maybe it’s leadership. Maybe it’s just the edge needed in close games.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 30: Ormanie Arnold #8 of the Cincinnati Bearcats breaks up a pass intended for JP Richardson #7 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the second quarter at Nippert Stadium on November 30, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
These four deals hint at more than just depth moves. They represent a shift toward camp-fueled roster competition and cap-conscious structuring. Whether these players stick or not, their presence forces others to earn their spots—and that’s no accident.
With camp looming, Chicago’s front office appears willing to take risks on talent the rest of the league may have overlooked. In a city hungry for wins, the margin for error is razor-thin—but if even one of these long shots hits, it could quietly reshape the 2025 roster. And in July, that’s exactly the kind of bet that makes camp worth watching.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.