Chicago Bears Make Two More Notable Free Agent Moves

After their initial burst to start free agency last month, the Chicago Bears seemed to ease up on the throttle, shifting to a more patient approach. GM Ryan Poles and the coaching staff have focused on finding depth options across the roster while preparing for the NFL draft. That process continued on Thursday as they made not one but two more moves. First was the addition of wide receiver Miles Boykin, a native of the local suburbs who went in the 3rd round to the Baltimore Ravens in 2019. He was quickly followed by Shaun Wade, a former 5th round pick (also from Baltimore) who has bounced around the league as a cornerback.

The interest in Boykin is obvious. While not a prolific pass-catcher, he's earned a reputation for being a quality run blocker, as evidenced by his work for the Ravens and then Steelers. He also had 12 special teams tackles between 2022 and 2023. As for Wade, he's a good-sized corner with length and has instincts for tracking the ball in the air. His primary issues have been his average speed and questions about his competitiveness dating back to 2020. He had spurts of good play in New England but disappeared last season.

The Chicago Bears are certainly sticking to specific types.

That is particularly true at wide receiver. Two of their additions to the position came in with reputations for good run-blocking skills. This isn't surprising. Head coach Ben Johnson mentioned weeks ago that players can't expect to get the ball in his offense unless they commit to blocking as well. He wants to run the football. To maximize it, the receivers must be willing to get involved. That is how six-yard runs become 60-yard runs. As for Wade, he will be depth competition. He's a solid tackler with enough coverage capability to serve as a CB5. The Chicago Bears probably aren't done adding at either position, too. They seem intent on creating as much competition as possible.