Bears’ explosive UDFA weapon tabbed as potential roster shocker

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Bears’ explosive UDFA weapon tabbed as potential roster shocker

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated May 19, 2026 12:16 PM ET

The Chicago Bears‘ offense actually took a bit of a hit this offseason, as the Bears subtracted both D.J. Moore and Olamide Zacchaeus from their receiving corps heading into Caleb Williams’ pivotal third NFL season.

Last year, Chicago had a ton of depth in its wide receiver room, leading to Williams having an embarrassment of riches at his disposal. Going into 2026, however, the Bears actually have a bit of a question mark at the position.

Yes, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III are still aboard, but Chicago does not have a proven No. 3 receiver. It signed Kalif Raymond in free agency and selected Zavion Thomas in the third round of the NFL Draft, but with neither player guaranteed much of anything, opportunity exists for the Bears at wide out.

There are actually still some free-agent options available, such as Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen and Tyreek Hill, but Chicago does not seem likely to go in that direction.

So could a surprising name actually end up making an impact for the Bears next fall? Anthony Miller of Bear Goggles On thinks so, tabbing undrafted free-agent signing Omari Kelly as someone who could crack the 53-man roster.

Omari Kelly could be a sleeper for the Chicago Bears

Nov 29, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Michigan State wide receiver Omari Kelly (1) celebrates a touchdown against Maryland in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Kelly began his collegiate career at Auburn and spent two seasons there between 2022 and 2023 before transferring to Middle Tennessee State. It was there that Kelly broke out, hauling in 53 receptions for 869 yards and four touchdowns.

The Trussville, Al. native then transferred to Michigan State, where he caught 47 passes for 626 yards and a couple of scores last year. And considering that came in the Big Ten, the numbers look considerably more impressive.

Miller thinks Kelly has a shot in the Windy City.

“Kelly can do it all as a receiver and returner, which is something the Bears are looking to add to the roster,” Miller wrote. “He’s more of a slot receiver with his 6-foot size, but he can make plays and use his speed. The Bears are looking for young receivers to step up between WR3 and WR5, so Kelly could surprise a few people by making the roster.”

Kelly does have experience as a returner from his college days, and he returned a punt for a touchdown in 2024. He is versatile enough where he could make Ben Johnson seriously think about adding him to the squad, and again, the Bears definitely need help at wide receiver.

Considering most teams generally keep six wide receivers, Kelly has a great opportunity in Chicago.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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