The Chicago Bears have passed the main events of the offseason regarding player acquisition. They snagged Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson via trades. Then Drew Dalman, Grady Jarrett, and Dayo Odeyingbo arrived in free agency. Lastly, they snagged another top 10 pick in the draft with Colston Loveland. That said, the opportunities don't suddenly dry up. Another wave is coming. This one will be at the end of August when other NFL teams trim down their roster to 53 players. That means several will once again hit the open market through the waiver wire. There is always the chance some notable names could become free.
Here are ones the Bears should keep a close eye on.
The Chicago Bears must take note of these situations.
RB Travis Etienne
People still aren't sure if the Bears are set at running back. If they're not going to chase a top name, then it makes sense to take a calculated risk on a high-end talent who may not have met expectations with his original team. Etienne is the perfect example. The former 1st round pick had two 1,000-yard seasons to start his career in Jacksonville, but fell off last year. Word is the new regime isn't high on him, as evidenced by them drafting two running backs. He might be a smart, calculated gamble for Chicago.
WR Treylon Burks
Burks was thrust into the unenviable position of replacing A.J. Brown after Tennessee traded him. The former 1st round pick never found his footing with the Titans, who have added several new faces at wide receiver. His time there is almost over. While he may never reach his full potential, Burks has the kind of skill set that head coach Ben Johnson likes. He's big, strong, and dynamic with the ball in his hands. He would make solid insurance for Luther Burden if the injury setbacks continue.
EDGE Samson Ebukam
Finding another pass rusher remains a goal for the Chicago Bears. Ebukam was terrific in 2023, posting 9.5 sacks for the Indianapolis Colts. Sadly, he missed all of last season with a torn Achilles. Indy has since drafted Laiatu Latu and J.T. Tuimoloau. That leaves Ebukam's spot in question, given his contract and the fact that he's 30. Nobody knows whether he can regain his old form. If he still has that in him, he'd be an ideal complement to Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo.
EDGE D.J. Wonnum
Even though he had four sacks last season, Wonnum missed nine games with injuries. Carolina drafted two pass rushers in April, leaving his spot on the roster uncertain. His mix of size and length are two things Dennis Allen tends to prefer in his pass rushers. Wonnum also has experience in the NFC North from his time with the Minnesota Vikings. If the Bears aren't sure about Austin Booker's progress, this move would give them some credible depth at a vital position.
