The 2025 NFL draft has come and gone, and with the Chicago Bears making several big additions on both offense and defense, there are still holes that could be filled with players who are still available free agents.
So far in free agency, Chicago’s big additions were center Drew Dalman, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, as well as offensive linemen Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney through trades.
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While there were many holes on the roster filled through the first wave of free agency and the draft, there are a couple more positions that could benefit from bringing in more talent. Here’s a look at five available free agents who would be a fit for the Bears going into the 2025 season.
1. RB Nick Chubb
Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball during warmups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
2024 stats: 102 carries, 332 yards, 3 touchdowns; 5 receptions, 31 yards, 1 touchdown (8 games)
Working his way back from another serious knee injury, Nick Chubb played limited time for the Cleveland Browns last season and has struggled to find a new team this offseason. He spent his first seven seasons in Cleveland, who addressed their running back position in the draft by adding Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. Chubb is a power back who would work well in a smaller role alongside D’Andre Swift and serve as a mentor to Roschon Johnson.
2. RB J.K. Dobbins
Jan 5, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) carries the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
2024 stats: 195 carries, 905 yards, 9 touchdowns; 32 receptions, 153 yards (13 games)
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J.K. Dobbins, like Chubb, is a veteran running back who has battled injuries throughout his career but had a respectable resurgent season last year. After suffering two torn Achilles injuries in his career, Dobbins signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers and made the most of his year, leading the team in rushing yards as he worked back to healthy form. Dobbins carries big injury concerns, as does Chubb, but he’s younger and coming off a good season, which could mean he’s a bit more costly on the open market.
3. LB Shaq Thompson
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 22: Shaq Thompson #54 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates during the third quarter of a game s Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
2024 stats: 35 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit (4 games)
Shaq Thompson has been limited to six total games over the past two seasons, but the 10-year veteran was a model of consistency before that. There may be just a little bit more left in the tank, but with the Bears selecting Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round of the draft this weekend, he could use another veteran mentor. The big question would be if Thompson wants to keep playing, and if he does, he could be a cost efficient option on the open market.
4. LB Isaiah Simmons: New York Giants
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 15: Isaiah Simmons #19 of the New York Giants in action against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium on December 15, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
2024 team: New York Giants
2024 stats: 21 total tackles, 1 forced fumble , 2 pass breakups, 1 QB hit (17 games)
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Isaiah Simmons has versatility as both a linebacker and safety, but has had a significant dip in production since signing with the New York Giants two seasons ago. The Bears need more depth at both linebacker and safety positions, but Simmons would once again be another likely cheaper option on the open market. The signing of Simmons wouldn’t likely mean he gets a big share of playing time, but at this stage of free agency following the draft, he’s the type of player who will round out the roster.
5. S Marcus Maye
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 24: Marcus Maye #26 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates with Jordan Poyer #21 during the second half against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
2024 teams: Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers
2024 stats: 42 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 pass breakups (15 games)
One of the positions that was not addressed in the draft was the safety spot, where Jaquan Brisker has had health concerns and Kevin Byard is in the final season of his contract. Marcus Maye has played with four different teams in his eight years in the league but can still produce. Last year, the Bears relied on Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks when Brisker missed 11 games with a concussion, and while both are still on the roster, bringing in the versatile and experienced Maye wouldn’t be a bad depth option.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL draft: Best remaining free agents the Chicago Bears should target