NFL free agency week brought its usual mix of surprises, with some players landing massive paydays and even a trade getting rescinded. For Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, this year’s shopping period was more measured. After clearing some salary cap space last week, Poles focused on strategic additions to reload the roster, with a particular emphasis on injecting more speed into the defense.
Here is a breakdown of the Bears’ new additions so far.
Safety Coby Bryant
With last season’s safeties all hitting the market, the Bears had a glaring need at the position. Poles addressed it by landing one of the top safeties available.
Coby Bryant joins Chicago on a three-year, $40 million deal, arriving fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks in February. After converting from cornerback, Bryant has emerged as a dominant force over the last two seasons, recording seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 13 passes defended. He fills the void left by the departures of Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, giving the Bears a dynamic playmaker in the secondary.
Linebacker Devin Bush
The decision to release linebacker Tremaine Edmunds for cap relief created a new hole, which the Bears filled with a more budget-friendly option coming off a career-best season.
Devin Bush agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract. After bouncing around the league as a former first-round pick, Bush found his stride with the Cleveland Browns last year. He posted career highs with three interceptions (returning two for touchdowns), 125 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and four quarterback hits. He is expected to bring the sideline-to-sideline speed that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen craves.
Wide Receiver Kalif Raymond
The Bears leveraged the connection of new head coach Ben Johnson to bring in a versatile wide receiver and return specialist. Kalif Raymond signed a one-year, $5.1 million deal.
Raymond previously played under Johnson in Detroit, where he served as a reliable slot option and returner. Last season he had 24 catches for 289 yards and a touchdown, but he posted a career-high 616 receiving yards in 2022. He is expected to step into the slot role for quarterback Caleb Williams following the departures of DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus and become the primary punt returner.
Defensive Tackle Neville Gallimore
A key offseason goal for Poles was strengthening the interior defensive line. Signing Neville Gallimore to a two-year, $12 million contract is a step in that direction.
The 6-foot-2, 307-pound Gallimore was an effective run-stuffer for the Indianapolis Colts last season, adding 3.5 sacks, six quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss in a rotational role. He is expected to take over the spot previously held by Andrew Billings.
Cornerback Cam Lewis
Cam Lewis carved out a role as a dependable backup and special teams contributor during his six seasons with the Buffalo Bills. The Bears hope he can replicate that success after signing him to a two-year deal. Lewis played in all 17 games last season and should provide versatile depth in the secondary while contributing on special teams.
Defensive End Kentavius Street
To further boost the pass rush, Poles added depth by signing Kentavius Street. After moving around early in his career, Street spent the last few seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. In seven games last year, he recorded two sacks, two quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss.
Left Tackle Jedrick Wills Jr.
The Bears are adding competition at left tackle by signing former top-10 pick Jedrick Wills Jr. to a one-year contract. Wills started 57 games for the Cleveland Browns over five seasons but has been sidelined by injury since 2023 and sat out the entire 2025 season. With starter Ozzy Trapilo recovering from a patellar tendon injury suffered in the playoffs, Wills will have an opportunity to compete for the starting job and revive his career.
Familiar Faces Returning
Chicago also ensured some continuity by re-signing several of their own players. Defensive end Daniel Hardy, linebacker D’Marco Jackson, and backup quarterback Case Keenum all signed two-year deals. The team also brought back safety Elijah Hicks, offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, and left tackle Braxton Jones on one-year contracts.
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