Will the Bears bring back Khalil Mack? Free agency targets to watch
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President Kevin Warren (left), general manager Ryan Poles, newly named head coach Ben Johnson and chairman George McCaskey of the Chicago Bears. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
NFL free agency begins at 11am Monday and the Chicago Bears are already having an eventful offseason.
Why it matters: The Bears are remaking their team to fit new head coach Ben Johnson after a demoralizing 5-12 record last year.
The big picture: The Bears have the No. 10 pick in next month's NFL Draft and are expected to keep building around young quarterback Caleb Williams.
- They've already traded for two veteran offensive linemen, including Joe Thuney who has won six Super Bowls with the Patriots and the Chiefs.
Zoom in: The Bears still have over $30 million left to spend, which is 13th most in the NFL.
- Analysts say the Bears could add to the offensive line while bolstering their defense with free agents.
Here are some players the Bears could go after next week:
Khalil Mack
Yep, that Khalil Mack. Mack brought his sack attack to Chicago in 2018 and helped the team win the NFC North, only to be undone by a double doink in the playoffs.
Mack was highly productive and the Bears paid a heavy ransom for it. Mack was traded to the Chargers in 2022 to dump his massive salary since the team was starting a rebuild.
- Now he's a free agent and just two years removed from a 17-sack season. For the right price, a Mack homecoming could be sensational.
Other possible edge rushers: Joey Bosa (Chargers), Haason Reddick (Jets), Josh Sweat (Eagles).
Drew Dalman
The free-agent center is looking for a big payday after a consistent career with the Atlanta Falcons. The Bears don't have a center on their revamped offensive line, so spending money here makes sense.
The question will be if the Bears will pay top dollar for the talent, since Dalman is the best available free agent at the position.
Other possible offensive linemen: Ronnie Stanley (Ravens), Will Fries (Colts), Kevin Zeitler (Lions).
Milton Williams
The massive defensive tackle was a standout in the Super Bowl, terrorizing Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offensive line. The young tackle has spent his career in Philadelphia.
- He doesn't have amazing stats, but the Super Bowl may have helped his payday.
Other defensive tackles: BJ Hill (Bengals), DJ Jones (Broncos), Javon Hargrave (49ers).
Nick Chubb
Before Chubb injured his knee in 2023, he was one of the best running backs in the NFL. He returned last year, posting mediocre numbers for the Cleveland Browns before breaking his foot.
- Now, Chubb hits the open market and is considered a reclamation project.
- He would slot in nicely alongside his college teammate D'Andre Swift in the Bears' backfield.
Other possible running backs: Aaron Jones (Vikings), JK Dobbins (Chargers), Kenneth Gainwell (Eagles).
Dre Greenlaw
The Bears are parting ways with local product Jack Sanborn, opening a spot in the linebacking corps for a veteran free agent. One notable name is Greenlaw, former 49ers standout, who last played in the Super Bowl in 2024. He tore his Achilles tendon in that game and missed last season.
- When healthy, Greenlaw is among the best in the league. The Bears could get a bargain betting on his health.
Other possible linebackers: Ernest Jones (Seahawks), Kyzir White (Cardinals), Tyrel Dodson (Dolphins).
Chris Godwin
The Bears moved on from Keenan Allen and his $20 million+ contract this offseason, opening a spot for a new receiver in Johnson's high-flying offense. Tampa's Godwin could be a suitable replacement for Allen and cost a lot less.
- Godwin has been a productive wide out for years and is coming off an injury that cut his season short last year.
Other possible receivers: Amari Cooper (Bills), DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs), Darius Slayton (Giants).