The Chicago Bears are in the midst of an important 2023 offseason, where general manager Ryan Poles will look to overhaul the roster and build a contender. That begins in free agency, which begins Monday with the legal tampering period.
The Bears are projected to have roughly $100 million in cap space and plenty of roster holes to fill. With the most cap space (by a wide margin), the Poles have plenty of resources to help reshape this roster. And they will have to make some decisions on some internal free agents.
We predict whether these Bears free agents will return to the team or leave in free agency.
RB David Montgomery
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Montgomery was a key part of the Bears’ top-ranked offense in 2022 and a consistent offensive playmaker. Both Montgomery and Poles expressed their desire to keep the fourth-year running back in Chicago. But it does not guarantee a refund.
Prediction: GO
LB Nicholas Morrow
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Morrow had a career year with the Bears and was one of Poland’s top free agents. Morrow stepped into the WILL linebacker position when Roquan Smith was traded. Still, there are upgrades available in free agency.
Prediction: GO
WR Byron Pringle
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The Bears took a swing with Pringle, who had flashes during his time with the Chiefs. But Pringle’s experiment was a failure due to injuries and lack of production. Chicago will be looking for a fresh start at receiver.
Prediction: GO
OL Sam Mustipher
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Given Mustipher’s experience at center (he’s started all but one game in the last two years), it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him back in Chicago — albeit in a backup role.
Prediction: STAY
OL Riley Reiff
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Reiff stepped up for the Bears in 2022, earning him strong praise from the Pole. Still, Reiff is 34 and has guys like Larry Borom and Alex Leatherwood as backup options at tackle.
Prediction: GO
Sr. DeAndre Houston-Carson
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Houston-Carson was a mainstay for the Bears and was one of three players Poles brought back in his first year as GM. Houston-Carson was a valuable contributor on special teams and as a backup on defense. It’s an easy decision to bring back the special teams leader for another year.
Prediction: STAY
DT Armon Watts
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Watts was waived by Chicago before the regular season, and he ended up providing a key role on the defensive line. While the Bears could bring him back as part of the rotation, it seems likely that they will overhaul most of the defensive line.
Prediction: GO
DT Angelo Blackson
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Blackson began the year as the starter, but that lasted just three games before being replaced by Watts. That, coupled with the fact that he’s not a scheme fit for Eberflus’ defense, makes it easy to put the dice together that he won’t be back in 2023 (though he’ll still be on the books for $500,000).
Prediction: GO
WR N’Keal Harry
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The Bears traded a seventh-round pick for Harry this offseason, but an ankle injury sidelined him for much of 2022. He showed his playmaking potential and good chemistry with Justin Fields. But unless Harry wants to return at a hometown discount, it seems unlikely that he will.
Prediction: GO
TE Ryan Griffin
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While Griffin had some productive games as a blocker, there wasn’t much more to be seen from him in 2022. The Bears will look to bring in a tight end who can complement Cole Kmet, and Griffin is not that guy.
Prediction: GO
LB Matt Adams
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While the Bears will look to improve the linebacker position, bringing back a veteran like Adams — especially one who understands Matt Eberflus’ defense well — would make sense at the SAM spot.
Prediction: STAY
OL Michael Schofield
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Schofield served as a key backup along the interior of the offensive line, playing left guard and right guard. The hometown product isn’t a must-sign, but could be solid veteran depth.
Prediction: STAY
DT Mike Pennel
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Pennel served as a key rotational piece along the defensive line, where he made an impact in limited action. Pennel is certainly someone the Bears could consider as key depth, but he’s definitely replaceable.
Prediction: GO
LB Joe Thomas
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Thomas was a key contributor at linebacker for the Bears, where he stepped up when called upon. While they could move him back to the SAM spot, they could favor Adams.
Prediction: GO
WR Dante Pettis
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Pettis was more involved in the offense than anyone expected in 2022, as well as a key contributor on special teams. But the Bears will be looking to upgrade at receiver this offseason. If the Bears can find a punt returner elsewhere, Pettis won’t be back.
Prediction: GO
TE Trevon Wesco
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Wesco started the year as a TE3 behind Kmet and Griffin, but saw his reps increase and ended up surpassing Griffin on the depth chart. Wesco was a solid blocker and he’s someone who could certainly return in 2023. However, the Bears could look elsewhere.
Prediction: GO
Dane Cruikshank
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Cruikshank was expected to be a situational contributor for the Bears. But he couldn’t stay healthy, so he finished the year on injured reserve. Chicago could bring him back with another one-year deal, but there should be other options.
Prediction: GO
OL Dakota Dozier
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Dozier is out for the season in minicamp after suffering a left leg injury. The Bears will look to overhaul the offensive line, and it seems unlikely that Dozier figures into their plans, even as a backup.
Prediction: GO
RB Darrynton Evans
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Evans played in just six games last season, where he had more success than rookie Trestan Ebner. Evans could be a depth option at running back. But Chicago could look elsewhere, including the NFL draft, to add a new face to the mix.
Prediction: GO
QB Nathan Peterman
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Peterman saw action in three games, including one start, in 2022. But he hopes the Bears try to bring in a young running back to develop behind Fields. Peterman’s services should not.
Prediction: GO
QB Tim Boyle
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Boyle was signed as an emergency option when both Justin Fields and Trevor Siemian went down. He appeared in the season finale against the Vikings, splitting time with Peterman. Boyle won’t be back.
Prediction: GO
CB Breon limits
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Borders appeared in the Bears’ season finale against the Vikings. But with some other young defensive backs in development (Jaylon Jones, Josh Blackwell), it’s unlikely Borders will return.
Prediction: GO
LB Javin White
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White suffered a torn ligament in training camp and is slated to become a restricted free agent. It’s hard to see them keeping him.
Prediction: GO
LB Elijah Lee
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Lee was signed to the roster after Jack Sanborn was placed on IR. He appeared in three games, where he made a total of two tackles. Lee isn’t thinking about the future as a linebacker.
Prediction: GO
EDGE Andre Anthony
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Anthony signed with the Bears’ practice squad last September, but he doesn’t figure to figure into their plans on the defensive end moving forward.
Prediction: GO
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