Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Free Agency Tracker: Every Signing, Trade & Move

February 21

Bears release DE DeMarcus Walker and TE Gerald Everett for cap relief: The Bears began to retool their roster under Johnson with the somewhat-expected releases of two veteran players, each of whom had another year left on his contract. According to Over the Cap, the Bears created meaningful cap space releasing Walker ($5.25 million) and Everett ($5.5 million).

Read more here about Walker and Everett.

March 4

Bears trade a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Rams for G Jonah Jackson: While the trade will not officially process until the start of the league year on March 12, the Bears took their first step toward rebuilding the interior of their offensive line with their deal for Jackson, who has a connection to Johnson after starting his career with the Lions. The 28-year-old played just four games for the Rams last year due to an injury and a benching, but he made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and could benefit rejoining Johnson's scheme. According to OTC, Jackson has cap hits of about $11.83 million in each of the next two years.

Read more here about Jackson.

March 5

Bears trade a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Chiefs for All-Pro LG Joe Thuney: One day after agreeing to a deal for Jackson, the Bears upped the ante and acquired one of the best pass-blockers in the league over the past five seasons, providing a significant upgrade for Williams' protection crew. Thuney will likely need an extension with the Bears (which could happen before free agency starts), but the 32-year-old is remarkably healthy, versatile workhorse who can lead the O-line room. Per OTC, Thuney is currently set to cost $16 million in 2025.

March 6

Bears sign former Dolphins TE Durham Smythe to a one-year deal: The Bears didn't wait until the start of unrestricted free agency to find a complement for starting tight end Cole Kmet, adding Smythe — whom the Dolphins released on February 14 — on a one-year contract. Smythe wasn't often a featured pass-catcher for the Dolphins, but he has caught 75.4% of his career passes and is a solid blocker, making him a candidate for the No. 2 role if the Bears don't add more to the room. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was the first to report the move.

Read more here about Smythe.

Bears extend CB Josh Blackwell and LB Amen Ogbongbemiga: With Johnson retaining special teams coordinator Richard Hightower on his coaching staff, the Bears moved to retain two of Hightower's brightest stars in the third phase. Both are core special-teamers and top backups on defense, while Blackwell is also an option as a return specialist.

Read more here about Blackwell and Ogbongbemiga.