Chicago Bears: 2024 Free Agents They Should Already Have Circled

The Chicago Bears still have the most salary cap space in the NFL and will have the fourth-most going into 2024. That is exactly how GM Ryan Poles wanted it. From the start, he aimed to build through the draft and maintain as much cap flexibility as possible. You can dabble in free agency but never go on a spending spree. That is what he did this off-season, with his only big purchase being linebacker Tremaine Edmunds at $18 million per year. Nate Davis was the next closest at a modest $10 million.

That means Poles has the green light to take another big swing if he so chooses. What remains unknown is who it might be for when the time comes. To get a little taste of the future, here is a handful of projected 2024 free agents that feel like obvious targets the Bears should pursue.

Chicago Bears will have some good options next spring.

Chase Young (DE, Washington Commanders)

The trade rumors are well-documented at this point. It's pretty clear Washington won't sign him to a contract extension over Montez Sweat. At least not unless Young has a ridiculous 2023 season. If they won't trade him, then it's probable he will be a free agent. Nobody can dispute the former #2 overall pick is talented. He flashed brilliance as a rookie before injuries blunted his progress. He's still only 25, with plenty of time to recapture his old form. His relationship with Justin Fields is also something that should be noted. Young is a gamble, but the exact kind the Bears would take.

Brian Burns (DE, Carolina Panthers)

The odds of Carolina somehow letting Burns walk feels astronomical. He's their best defensive player and one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. He has 30.5 sacks in the past three seasons. There is no way the Panthers let that walk, right? If, by some miracle, they do, the Bears should be waiting with bags of cash. He is everything they need in a defensive end: big, long, athletic, and violent. Poles almost acquired him in the blockbuster trade for the #1 pick, so we know the Bears GM is a fan.

Darnay Holmes (CB, New York Giants)

One player under more pressure this year than people think is Kyler Gordon. The Chicago Bears really need him to step up because nickel corner is one of the most important positions in the entire Tampa-2 scheme. If he can't show progress after an inconsistent rookie season, the team brass must think about alternatives. Holmes was quietly a vital cog of the Giants' defense last year, posting an 85.8 passer rating against in 330 coverage snaps. He's only allowed one touchdown across three seasons in the NFL.

Terence Steele (OT, Dallas Cowboys)

The Bears have high hopes for Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright. They should. Both are big, athletic, and have loads of room to grow. That said, neither can be considered a long-term fixture yet. Jones is under more pressure to perform this year. If he doesn't, the team may have to consider alternatives at left tackle. Steele has become a quality blocker in Dallas, especially in pass protection. He gave up only 20 pressures last season. Most of his work has come on the right side, but he does have experience on the left. Coaches can figure out whether he or Wright can make the switch were they to sign him.

Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, Indianapolis Colts)

If Chase Claypool doesn't do enough to earn an extension with the Bears, he will leave as a free agent next March. That will leave a void in their receiving corps regarding size. They'd need a bigger target that can complement D.J. Moore and Darnell Mooney. Pittman is the perfect option in this regard. He's 6'3 with a well-proportioned frame, strong hands, and smooth route-running skills. He plays up to his size, too, outfighting defensive backs in contested situations. The Bears need somebody like that.