The NFL’s “legal tampering” period opens one month from today. And with it, the beginning of the league’s transactional period. But before we get to that date on the calendar, let’s take not of the Chicago Bears’ pending free agents.
2026 Chicago Bears Free Agents
Here is a look at who is on the cusp of exiting Halas Hall as an unrestricted free agent this offseason:
OFFENSIVE PLAYERS
Case Keenum, quarterback Travis Homer, running back Olamide Zaccheaus, wide receiver Devin Duvernay, wide receiver and return specialist Durham Smythe, tight end Braxton Jones, offensive lineman Ryan Bates, offensive lineman Ricky Stromberg, offensive linemanFIRST POST-SUPER BOWL 2026 NFL MOCK DRAFT
There are some interesting players among the pending free agents on the offensive side of the ball. For instance, Braxton Jones was the Bears’ Week 1 starting left tackle in each of the first four years of his rookie contract with the team. However, his future is up-in-the-air after an injury-shortened 2025 season. Devin Duvernay made some splash plays in the return game. Does a return to Chicago make sense? Olamide Zaccheaus was a nice security blanket at times for quarterback Caleb Williams. But does someone like Jahdae Walker make sense as someone to take that role from him in 2026?
Olamide Zaccheaus catches a touchdown vs. the Packers at Lambeau Field. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinDEFENSIVE PLAYERS AND SPECIAL TEAMERS
Kevin Byard III, safety Jaquan Brisker, safety Jonathan Owens, safety Elijah Hicks, safety Nahshon Wright, cornerback Jaylon Jones, cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson, defensive back D’Marco Jackson, linebacker Dominique Robinson, defensive end Andrew Billings, defensive tackle Chris Williams, defensive tackle Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, defensive end Jalen Reeves-Maybin, linebacker and special teams contributor Scott Daly, long snapper2026 BEARS OFFSEASON: Important Dates, Deadlines, and When to Expect Things
The Bears have four starting-caliber defensive backs on the cusp of free agency. All-Pro and Pro Bowler Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, and C.J. Gardner Johnson figure to generate interest from teams looking to upgrade in the secondary. D’Marco Jackson is someone I’d like back after seeing how he played in a pinch in place of fellow linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. With that being said, I understand the Bears can’t bring back everyone. Good luck to General Manager Ryan Poles, who has some tough decisions to make this offseason.
Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson (48) and safety Kevin Byard III (31) are set to become free agents. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
RFAs are players who have accrued three years of service time and *CAN* negotiate with other teams. However, the Bears can decide to match an offer sheet that a player signs with another franchise.
Daniel Hardy, defensive end Jordan McFadden, offensive linemanI wonder what the future holds for Jordan McFadden, who was a Bears waiver claim in January 2025 who started the team’s Divisional Round playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. McFadden played 81 snaps and earned a 63.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. For what it’s worth, PFF gave McFadden a 75.5 pass-blocking grade. It would be nice to have McFadden back in the fold for depth along the offensive line.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
Players who are ERFAs have two seasons or fewer of accrued service time and are on an expiring contract. If an ERFA is extended a qualifying offer, then the player cannot negotiate with other teams.
Theo Benedet, offensive lineman (has already re-signed)All in all, there are some useful players listed above. However, the Bears’ cap situation being what it is means that not everyone will be back. There will be some fresh names in place of formerly familiar faces. Is there anyone who you think Chicago should prioritize bringing back in 2026?
C.J. Gardner-Johnson celebrates after a sack against the Giants at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesTHE BN BEARS PODCAST: Apple | Spotify | YouTube
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