After improving their offense in the draft, the Chicago Bears are now focusing on their defense. The team signed several undrafted free agents to help fill key spots. These players will compete for a chance to make the final roster during training camp. Head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles have made it clear that every spot must be earned through hard work.
One position the Bears are looking to fill is linebacker, where Jack Sanborn played a big role in 2023. Sanborn was undrafted out of Wisconsin and stepped up after Roquan Smith was traded in 2022. He made 65 tackles in 2023, but his role was smaller in 2024, and he was not brought back. Sanborn has now joined the Dallas Cowboys, and the Bears are searching for his replacement.
The Bears drafted Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round, who will likely take over Sanborn’s role. But Poles and Johnson are giving everyone a chance to earn their spot, which means undrafted players will have a shot.
Top Defensive Undrafted Free Agents Signed by the Bears
Here’s a look at some of the standout undrafted free agents signed by the Bears to help improve their defense:
Power Echols – Linebacker (North Carolina)
Echols played three seasons at North Carolina, making 307 tackles. He’s known for his ability to get to the ball, with 190 solo tackles, ranking 15th in the ACC since 2005. His 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine (4.73 seconds) and his arm length (30 5/8 inches) hurt his draft chances, but his performance on the field shows he can make plays. Echols has a similar profile to Jack Sanborn and could be a key player for the Bears.
Major Burns – Safety (LSU)
Burns is a 6-3 safety who transferred to LSU from Georgia. He quickly became a leader on defense and led the team with 93 tackles in 2023. Burns is a strong tackler and had a 37 1/2-inch vertical leap, which was one of the best at the NFL Combine. While he’s not the fastest (4.51-second 40-yard dash), his strength and ability to recover make him a solid addition to the Bears’ secondary.
Xavier Carlton – Edge Rusher (California)
Carlton spent three years at Cal, where he became known as a strong pass rusher. In 2024, he had nine sacks and 55 pressures. At 6-6, 275 pounds, he’s built for the edge rusher position, but his 5.08-second 40-yard dash and lack of speed might limit his upside. Carlton is described as a “power rusher” who uses strength to get to the quarterback. The Bears didn’t draft any edge rushers, so Carlton has a chance to earn a spot.
Jereme Robinson – Edge Rusher (Kansas)
Robinson is a smaller edge rusher at 6-3, 255 pounds, but he is quicker, running a 4.83-second 40-yard dash. He showed improvement each year at Kansas, finishing his senior season with 22 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. While he wasn’t as productive as Carlton, Robinson’s speed and improvement make him an interesting prospect for the Bears.
JP Richardson – Wide Receiver (TCU)
Richardson isn’t a defensive player, but he’s worth mentioning. He played as TCU’s No. 3 receiver behind future NFL stars Jack Bech (Raiders) and Savion Williams (Packers). Richardson is more of a possession receiver and can also contribute as a punt returner. He had an 89-yard punt return for a touchdown in 2023. With the Bears’ new offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle, Richardson could bring something new to the offense.
Tysheem Johnson – Safety (Oregon)
Johnson, who transferred from Ole Miss to Oregon, was a strong player in college, recording 262 tackles and six interceptions. He has good instincts but is a bit undersized at 5-10 compared to other safeties. Johnson’s ability to make plays could make him a valuable member of the secondary.
Other Notable Signings
- Luke Elkin – Long Snapper (Iowa): Elkin is known for being reliable and handled all the deep snaps for Iowa for three years. While the Bears have Scott Daly, Elkin could provide some competition or be a future option.
- Jonathan Kim – Kicker (Michigan State): With Cairo Santos already established as the Bears’ kicker, Kim provides competition. He hit 19 of 21 field goals in 2024 and has experience with kickoffs.
- Jahdae Walker – Wide Receiver (Texas A&M): Walker is a big, fast receiver at 6-4 with 4.45-second 40 speed. While he struggled with consistency at Texas A&M, his physical tools are intriguing.
- Deion Hankins – Running Back (Texas State): Hankins is a power back at 6-0, 215 pounds, but he has never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. His strength and size could make him a good backup option for the Bears.
Conclusion: Big Opportunities for Undrafted Free Agents
The Bears have signed several undrafted free agents who will compete for spots on the team, especially on defense. Players like Power Echols and Major Burns could be key contributors in the 2025 season. With training camp approaching, these undrafted players will have their chance to prove themselves and fight for a spot on the Bears’ final roster.
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