Bears offseason recap: Every move leading up to 2023 NFL draft
The 2023 NFL draft is just around the corner, where the Chicago Bears will soon welcome a new crop of rookies to the roster.
It’s been an eventful offseason for the Bears, where they traded the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers for a draft haul that included two first-rounders, two second-rounders and wide receiver DJ Moore.
In free agency, general manager Ryan Poles added some impact players, including linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. Despite having roughly $100 million in salary cap space, Poles didn’t overpay for an offensive tackle or defensive lineman.
The 2023 NFL draft is upon us, where Poles will look to add some impact players as he continues to retool the roster.
As the Bears prepare for the NFL draft, here’s a look at every move Chicago has made so far this offseason:
Bears trade No. 1 pick, acquire WR DJ Moore
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Trade details:
Bears acquire: Nos. 9, 61 in 2023, 2024 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, WR DJ Moore
Panthers acquire: No. 1 pick in 2023
The Bears made their biggest move ahead of free agency in dealing the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft to the Panthers for a haul. Chicago landed two first-round picks, two second-round selections and wide receiver DJ Moore. While Carolina was going to give three first-rounders for the top pick, Poles insisted that Moore be part of the trade package. Now, quarterback Justin Fields has a No. 1 receiver, the Bears have three additional picks and the arrow is pointing up for this offense.
Bears sign LB T.J. Edwards
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Contract: 3 years, $19.5 million ($7.9 million guaranteed)
Chicago’s first free agent addition was an absolute bargain in hometown kid T.J. Edwards, who was one of the league’s best linebackers last season. Edwards was one of the top-graded linebackers, earning a 84.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. Last season, Edwards totaled 159 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks and seven pass breakups. It’s unclear whether Edwards will serve as the MIKE or WILL linebacker in this defense, but he should have an impact wherever he lines up.
Bears sign LB Tremaine Edmunds
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Contract: 4 years, $72 million ($50 million guaranteed)
The Bears doubled down at the linebacker position landing Tremaine Edmunds to pair alongside Edwards. Edmunds, who’s just 24, is an athletic, explosive linebacker who’s both a solid run defender and impressive in coverage. Edmunds is a two-time Pro Bowler who is an immediate upgrade for Chicago. Like with Edwards, it’s unclear whether Edmunds will be the MIKE or WILL linebacker. But, wherever they line him up, he should be an impact player.
Bears sign OG Nate Davis
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Contract: 3 years, $30 million ($19.25 million guaranteed)
Chicago added a quality starter along the offensive line in Nate Davis. While Davis has played exclusively at right guard, he’s expected to make the move to left guard as Cody Whitehair could be back at center. Davis is not only a dominant run blocker — a perfect fit for the Bears — but he’s also solid in pass protection. The concern with Davis has been health, as he’s only played one full season, which makes depth even more important.
Bears sign DL DeMarcus Walker
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Contract: 3 years, $21 million ($15.65 million guaranteed)
The Bears added some help at defensive line with the signing of DeMarcus Walker, who provides a clear upgrade off the edge. Walker is a versatile defensive lineman who can play inside, as well. He’s coming off a breakout year with the Titans, where he totaled 7.0 sacks, 32 pressures and 16 QB hits. In fact, Walker had more sacks than Justin Jones, Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson combined, as well as just four less QB hits than the Bears had as a team last season.
Bears re-sign RB Khari Blasingame
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Contract: 2 years, $3.6 million ($1.95 million guaranteed)
Chicago re-signed a key piece of their top-ranked rushing attack from last season in Khari Blasingame. While Blasingame didn’t record a single stat, he was the lead blocker for the NFL’s best run game, where he helped open holes for Khalil Herbert and former Bears running back David Montgomery. Bringing back Blasingame, who earned a two-year extension, is an important move for this offense.
Bears re-sign LS Patrick Scales
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Contract: 1 year, $1.317 million ($1.092 million guaranteed)
Chicago returned a key player from special teams in Patrick Scales, who remains the longest-tenured player on the Bears having been with the team since 2015. Scales is coming off another solid year with the Bears, where he was the lone Chicago player to receive a single All-Pro vote for 2022. Now, Scales is back with kicker Cairo Santos and punter Trenton Gill heading into 2023.
Bears sign RB Travis Homer
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Contract: 2 years, $4 million ($1.75 million guaranteed)
The Bears added some depth at running back and on special teams with Travis Homer. Last season, Homer appeared in 10 games with the Seahawks, where he had 19 carries for 74 yards (3.9 yards per carry). Homer is solid in pass protection and provides a receiving option out of the backfield for Fields. Homer was one of the Seahawks’ most productive and consistent special teamers, whether it’s on coverage or as a return specialist. With Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman on the roster, Homer is a solid RB3 for Chicago.
Bears sign QB PJ Walker
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Contract: 2 years, $5 million max
Chicago upgraded at backup quarterback with the addition of PJ Walker, who’s an ideal backup for Fields. Walker saw extended action with the Panthers last season, where he completed 63-of-106 passes for 731 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions in six games (five starts). Walker is also reunited with former Carolina teammate DJ Moore. Shortly after Walker’s signing was made official, the Bears parted ways with Trevor Siemian, making it clear Walker is QB2.
Bears release QB Trevor Siemian
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2023 cap savings: $1.965 million
The Bears released back quarterback Trevor Siemian shortly after signing PJ Walker to a two-year deal. Last season, Chicago signed Siemian to a two-year deal, and he started one game last season in place of an injured Fields. Unfortunately, Siemian was injured, as well. It’s a move that doesn’t come as a surprise considering Walker was a better scheme fit as Fields’ backup quarterback. In cutting Siemian, Chicago frees up nearly $2 million in cap space.
Bears sign DT Andrew Billings
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Contract: 1 year, $3.5 million ($2.4 million guaranteed)
The Bears addressed the interior of their defensive line with the addition of Andrew Billings, who will serve as a 1-technique in Matt Eberflus’ defense. Chicago bolstered their run defense with Billings, who’s able to clog holes and serves as an upgrade for one of the league’s worst run defenses from last season. Last season with the Raiders, Billings totaled 39 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and three QB hits in 14 starts. It’s not a flashy signing, but it’s a sneaky good addition for Poles, who prioritizes scheme and value.
Bears sign TE Robert Tonyan
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Contract: 1 year, $2.65 million
Chicago landed another hometown player in Robert Tonyan to serve as a complement to tight end Cole Kmet. Tonyan is familiar with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s scheme, having played with Getsy in Green Bay from 2010-21. Tonyan excels as a receiver, particularly when it comes to the red zone. Last season, Tonyan had 53 receptions on 63 targets for 470 yards with two touchdowns. Tonyan serves as another pass catcher for Fields heading into 2023.
Bears sign RB D'Onta Foreman
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Contract: 1 year, $3 million
The Bears added another running back in free agency in D’Onta Foreman, who’s an explosive runner. Last season with the Panthers, Foreman had a breakout season after replacing Christian McCaffrey, who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. Foreman rushed for 915 yards in 17 games with nine starts. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry. Foreman eclipsed 100 rushing yards in five games. Foreman will be competing with Khalil Herbert for the starting job, although they’ll serve as a 1-2 punch in the backfield.
Bears sign LB Dylan Cole
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Contract: 1 year, $1.23 million
Chicago added more depth at linebacker with the addition of Cole, a six-year veteran. Cole, 28, has served mainly as a special teams contributor and depth at linebacker during his time with the Texans and Titans. He’s played in 61 games, including nine starts, where he recorded 147 total tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble in his career.
Bears sign DL Rasheem Green
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Contract: 1 year, $2.5 million
The Bears added another veteran defensive lineman with upside in Green, a former third-round pick by the Seahawks. He’s only 25 years old and has already played five years in the league. Green is a versatile defensive lineman with the ability to play outside and inside, and he should be a solid rotational piece in Matt Eberflus’ defense.
Bears sign P Ryan Anderson
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Contract: 1 year, $750,000
The Bears added another special teamer to the roster in Anderson, who worked out for the team during the 2022 season. He’s a left-footed punter, and the team was preparing to face a left-footed punter in Washington’s Tress Way. Now, Anderson will work with Chicago during the offseason, where he joins Trenton Gill in the specialists room.
Bears re-sign QB Nathan Peterman
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Contract: 1 year, $1.23 million
The Bears re-signed Peterman to serve as the team’s third-string quarterback. Peterman served in the same role with Chicago last season, where he backed up Justin Fields and Trevor Siemian. Due to injuries, Peterman appeared in three games for the Bears, including starting the season finale against the Vikings. In 2022, Peterman passed for 139 yards with one touchdown and one interception with a 68.6 passer rating. Now, Peterman will once again by backing up Fields, and this time new backup PJ Walker.
Bears re-sign WR Dante Pettis
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Contract: 1 year, $1.23 million
Chicago announced the re-signing of Pettis ahead of the start of the offseason program on April 17. Pettis, who signed a one-year deal last offseason, played a bigger role for the Bears than many expected. Pettis, who played in 17 games, was the team’s fifth-leading receiver with 245 yards on 19 catches and led all Bears receivers in touchdowns (3) in 2022. While Pettis had his struggles with drops, he did have his moments in the passing game, highlighted by some deep receptions. Pettis was also the team’s primary punt returner, a role that could help him earn a roster spot.
Bears release DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
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Muhammad became the team’s first salary cap casualty ahead of free agency. He came to Chicago last offseason with an understanding of the defensive scheme. But he faced a tall order serving as a key contributor that lost defensive stars Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. Muhammad’s release doesn’t come as a surprise after his disappointing season, where he notched just one sack in 16 games. Muhammad signed a two-year deal worth $8 million with $3.33 million guaranteed.
Bears tender ERFAs CB Josh Blackwell, DL Andrew Brown
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Ahead of free agency, the Bears tendered two of their exclusive rights free agents — cornerback Josh Blackwell and defensive lineman Andrew Brown — to one-year deals.
Bears sign reserve/future contracts
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The Bears also signed the following players to reserve/future contracts:
TE Chase Allen
S Adrian Colbert
LB Kuony Deng
OT Kellen Diesch
DE Gerri Green
CB Greg Stroman Jr.
TE Jake Tonges
WR Nsimba Webster
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