Before the Chicago Bears embark on their efforts to upgrade the roster in free agency and the draft, they have personal business to deal with. There are 25 players on their roster set to become free agents. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus must determine which ones they'd like to bring back and which they should let walk. There will be some difficult decisions involved and some not. A team that finished 3-14 often doesn't have too many nail-biters to worry about.
That said, Poles has stated multiple times he wishes to develop a reputation for retaining his own players. That has become a significant problem for the Bears in recent years. Since 2013, only seven players drafted have signed multi-year extensions with the team. That goes a long way in explaining why they've been so bad. Maybe that will change in the near future.
The Chicago Bears have several in-house free agents to deal with.
David Montgomery: Leaves
This is easily the most difficult decision for the Bears. Montgomery is a solid running back, a dedicated worker, and a steady locker room presence. The problem is he's becoming a free agent in a year where alternatives are plentiful, especially in the NFL draft. Rather than pay him $6-7 million per year, Poles can pair a younger, cheaper option with Khalil Herbert. Perhaps somebody with more explosiveness.
Nicholas Morrow: Re-signs
Morrow had one of the best seasons of his career. Rather remarkable, considering he hadn't played since 2020 due to an injury. He finished with 117 tackles and 11 tackles for a loss. He seemed to fit the outside linebacker position well. There is no reason to think the Bears won't retain him since he'll be cheap to keep around.
N'Keal Harry: Re-signs
Poles traded a future 7th round pick for Harry in the belief he had something to offer. There were signs the big receiver developed a connection with Justin Fields. He may never become a star, but his wide catch radius and run-blocking ability are worth keeping around as depth.
Byron Pringle: Leaves
Pole had hoped Pringle might bring some of his magic up from his time at Kansas City. From the moment he arrived, there were problems with Pringle. He got arrested not long after he signed in Chicago. Then there were injury setbacks. He never found a groove on offense. It's better just to let that mistake walk.
Darrynton Evans: Leaves
The veteran never saw much action with the Bears since Montgomery and Herbert did most of the work. He had a few appearances late in the season but never really stood out. Perhaps they'll keep him as depth, but they'll likely shuffle that position with younger options.
Khari Blasingame: Re-signs
You probably deserve a new contract when you're the lead blocker for the best running game (statistically) in Chicago Bears history. Blasingame did his job well, showcasing his blocking prowess and versatility. It was unfortunate Luke Getsy didn't get him more involved in the passing game.
Sam Mustipher: Re-signs
It's been established by now that Mustipher is not a starting NFL center. The Bears must seek an upgrade at that position. However, the guy is beloved in the locker room and can still be a serviceable backup. He won't be expensive to keep and knows the offense. It is a sensible move despite his lack of popularity.
Riley Reiff: Leaves
He was passable as the Bears' starting right tackle, but it was evident Reiff wasn't the player he used to be. He's 35 years old. The team is almost guaranteed to see a younger, more long-term option over the next few months.
Michael Schofield: Leaves
Another older veteran that did his job as a backup in 2022. Like Reiff, it was also evident he didn't have much to offer the Bears in the long run. His lack of a physical presence works against him here.
Ryan Griffin: Leaves
Younger and more athletic. That is likely what the Bears will strive for at tight end. They have Cole Kmet. Perhaps they'll seek a speedier pass-catching option. Griffin is neither of those things. Not at 33 years old.
Armon Watts: Re-signs
Having defensive tackles that know how to rush the passer is never a bad thing. Watts isn't too old and won't be expensive to keep. His production last season wasn't great but he showed more than pretty much everybody else not named Justin Jones.
Dakota Dozier: Leaves
The knee injury he suffered before the season began ended his year. Dozier wasn't an overly good player even before that. Now it is virtually guaranteed he won't be back.
Dante Pettis: Leaves
Pettis had every opportunity to re-establish his career in Chicago. He got tons of playing time and was targeted 41 times. He only caught 19 passes with some brutal drops. Maybe he could stay as special teams help, but the Bears can do better.
Mike Pennel: Leaves
He was an emergency depth signing that didn't offer much outside of decent run-stopping ability. Even that didn't provide much for the Bears.
Joe Thomas: Re-signs
The veteran linebacker was one of the pleasant surprises on defense for Chicago. He had 61 tackles, a sack, and two passes defended. He isn't a starter by any means. That said, there are far worse players you can have as backups in this league.
DeAndre Houston-Carson: Re-signs
This is a no-brainer. Houston-Carson has established himself as an excellent special teams ace and one of the NFL's most consistent, dependable backup safeties. The Chicago Bears have every reason to lock him up for another year, if not multiple ones.
Elijah Lee: Leaves
He was an emergency signing late in the season when injuries started taking their toll on the depth chart. Don't expect him back.
Breon Borders: Leaves
He arrived in Chicago as health issues struck the cornerback position with Jaylon Johnson and Kindle Vildor. The ascent of Jaylon Jones and Josh Blackwell makes his exit an easy prediction.
Matthew Adams: Re-signs
Adams may not bring much on the defensive side of things, but his value on special teams makes up for that. He's cheap to retain and knows the coaching staff well. There should be no issue finding a place for him as the roster overhaul continues.
Dane Cruikshank: Leaves
The best ability is availability. That is the popular saying among NFL players. Cruikshank missed nine games in 2022 with various injuries. Health has been a constant issue for him over the past three years. There is no justification for keeping him around, especially after 7th round pick Elijah Hicks stepped up.
Andrew Brown: Leaves
He's a journeyman player that was signed as an emergency backup. There isn't much else to say about him.
Tim Boyle: Leaves
When Nathan Peterman passes over you to start in the season finale, that should tell you how much the organization thinks of you.
Nathan Peterman: Leaves
It wouldn't be surprising if the Bears shake things up at quarterback, seeking somebody out who is better equipped to play an offense designed for Justin Fields. Peterman is absolutely not that guy. It is frankly remarkable how he keeps finding work.
Josh Blackwell: Re-signs
Easily one of Poles' best pickups last off-season. He was claimed off waivers from Philadelphia and quickly emerged as one of their best players on special teams. He's also a solid backup option at nickel corner. Players like that should be retained. He has a future on this roster.
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