Chicago Bears' projected depth chart following first wave of free agency

[ASFN Admin]

The Chicago Bears have made it through the first wave of NFL free agency with several new additions and returning faces while also losing some big-name players.

General manager Ryan Poles prioritized shoring up the trenches with the key additions of offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman, as well as defensive linemen Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. And there's still plenty of work to be done heading into the 2025 NFL draft.

With the slew of moves made over the last week -- from signings to trades -- the roster looks different than it did even a week ago. Which has certainly impacted the projected depth chart.

Here's a look at the Bears' current projected depth chart after the first wave of free agency:

Quarterback​

• Starter: Caleb Williams
• Backup: Tyson Bagent
• Other: Austin Reed

There's no surprise when it comes to quarterback where Williams, entering his first full offseason, is entrenched as the starter. With Chicago electing to forgo adding a veteran, Bagent is once again the backup with Reed likely headed for the practice squad again.

Running back​

• Starter: D'Andre Swift
• Backup: Roschon Johnson
• Other: Travis Homer, Ian Wheeler

This is a position that is expected to undergo changes during the NFL draft, especially with Ben Johnson now running the show. For now, Swift is penciled in as the lead back with Johnson serving as his backup and short-yardage back. But Chicago is expected to add to their running back room in the draft, which could change everything.

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Wide receiver​

• Starters: DJ Moore, Rome Odunze
• Backups: Olamide Zaccheaus, Tyler Scott
• Other: Maurice Alexander, Samori Toure, John Jackson

Moore and Odunze are the clear-cut starters at receiver where they'll continue to build their chemistry with Williams. With Keenan Allen likely out -- he's still available in free agency -- depth has become the biggest focus. Chicago signed Zaccheaus in free agency to contend for that WR3 role, and they're probably not done yet with the remainder of free agency and the draft.

Tight end​

• Starter: Cole Kmet
• Backup: Durham Smythe
• Other: Stephen Carlson, Jordan Murray, Joel Wilson

There's no disputing that Kmet is the top tight end in this offense, but depth has been the biggest struggle in recent years. The Bears signed Smythe, who was previously coached by Ben Johnson in Miami, to serve as a blocking tight end behind Kmet. But there could still be another move on the way in the draft, as Carlson, Murray and Wilson don't provide much stability.

Offensive line​

• Left tackle: Braxton Jones, Kiran Amegadjie
• Left guard: Joe Thuney, Bill Murray, Jordan McFadden
• Center: Drew Dalman, Ricky Stromberg, Chris Glaser
• Right guard: Jonah Jackson, Ryan Bates, Theo Benedet
• Right tackle: Darnell Wright, Joshua Miles

The entire interior offensive line was overhauled this offseason with the acquisitions of guards Thuney and Jackson, via trade, and Dalman, through free agency. Essentially, the starting offensive line is set, unless the Bears find an upgrade at left tackle in the draft.

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Edge rusher​

• Starters: Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo
• Backups: Austin Booker, Daniel Hardy
• Other: Dominique Robinson, Jamree Kromah

The Bears need more out of their pass rush, even with Sweat leading the way. They made a move in free agency to land a rising talent in Odeyingbo, but there's still plenty of work to be done. Booker showed flashes in his rookie season, but he needs to make strides as a rotational player.

Defensive tackle​

• Starters: Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter
• Backups: Andrew Billings, Chris Williams
• Other: Zacch Pickens, Jonathan Ford

Chicago had a solid duo of Billings and Dexter last season, but things went downhill after Billings was lost for the season due to a torn pec as Dexter's play suffered. Now, the Bears added a dominant defender in Jarrett, who is a force as an interior pass rusher. Expect to see plenty of Jarrett, Dexter and Billings this season.

Linebacker​

• Starters: T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds
• Reserves: Noah Sewell, Amen Ogbongbemiga
• Other: Swayze Bozeman, Carl Jones

There aren't really big changes at linebacker with Edwards and Edmunds once again set to lead the charge. But the Bears will have to deal with the loss of Jack Sanborn, who they opted not to tender as a restricted free agent. Now, it's up for former fifth-round pick Sewell to step up, along with returning depth piece and special teams ace Ogbongbemiga.

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Cornerback​

• Starters: Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon (NCB)
• Reserves: Terell Smith, Ameer Speed, Josh Blackwell (NCB)

No changes when it comes to cornerback, which is arguably the strongest position group on the roster. Johnson, coming off his second Pro Bowl nod, will lead a group also featuring Gordon, who's up for a contract extension, and Stevenson, who has plenty to prove after a disastrous sophomore season.

Safety​

• Starters: Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker
• Reserves: Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks
• Other: Tarvarius Moore, Alex Cook

Chicago's starting safety duo is set with Byard and Brisker, both entering the final year of their respective deals. Byard was one of the defense's MVPs last season, while Brisker missed most of the year following a Week 5 concussion. Owens and Hicks will continue to serve as key depth and special teams contributors.

Special teams​

• Kicker: Cairo Santos
• Punter: Tory Taylor
• Long snapper: Scott Daly

The Bears are returning their starting special teams unit with Santos, Taylor and Daly. Patrick Scales missed last season following back surgery, and Daly stepped up in his place and even earned a one-year contract extension this offseason.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears' projected depth chart after first wave of free agency

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