3 Free Agents Still Available Who Could Start for the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears should still have their eyes on free agency as the team looks to shore up the roster, both before and after the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

The problem for the Bears is they don't have much to work with at the moment. According to Over The Cap, Chicago is sitting with a shade under $250,000 in cap space.

But that number is not going to stay like that. The Bears must free up more money in order to afford their incoming draft class, a class that could include as many as seven players.

In the process, perhaps the Bears can open up enough money to make one last swing at a starting-caliber player in free agency.

Here's a list of three current free agents who could be ideal fits and immediate starters on offense or defense for Chicago.

DE Cameron Jordan

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan during the run outs before the game against the New York Jets. — New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan. | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Bears need an upgrade along the edge opposite Montez Sweat.

Dayo Odeyingbo did not play up to snuff over eight games last season and now he's coming off a torn Achilles, which means Odeyingbo might not be himself in his first year back.

Chicago's insurance policy for Odeyingbo is Austin Booker, who tallied 4.5 sacks in place of the injured veteran edge rusher in 2025.

But the former fifth-round pick is not a proven commodity and relying on Booker to step up if Odeyingbo is struggling isn't a position Chicago can put itself in.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley runs with the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo chases. — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (5) runs with the ball as Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (55) chases in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Enter Cameron Jordan who, despite being 36 years old, showed he has plenty of gas left in the tank after he posted 10.5 sacks with the New Orleans Saints in 2025.

While Jordan has spent his entire career in New Orleans, he has made it quite clear he is no lock to return there in 2026.

"Of course, I'd love to be in New Orleans, but at the same time, if the cents doesn't make sense, then we have to find our own path," Jordan explained.

Jordan would likely have interest in joining the Bears given the fact they could be a Super Bowl contender this year, and he would not preclude the Bears from drafting an edge rusher because he'll certainly garner a one-year deal in free agency.

LT Taylor Decker

Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker takes the field during player introductions before the Detroit Lions game. — Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If there's one thing Ben Johnson and the Bears love to do, it's to stick it to the Detroit Lions. Signing Taylor Decker would do just that, while also addressing a big question mark for Chicago.

The Bears may not have Ozzy Trapilo for the entire season due to a torn Achilles and that leaves the team with a shaky competition between Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet and Jedrick Wills at left tackle.

Decker, who was released by the Lions after not wanting to take a pay cut, is coming off a down year, but that down year was still better than what the aforementioned players can provide.

Not to mention, Decker was banged-up with a shoulder injury, so the 32-year-old could bounce back in a big way in 2026.

Making the signing even more perfect, Decker has experience in Johnson's offense from their days together in Detroit, so it's a seamless transition for the veteran left tackle.

This one makes just too much sense not to happen.

CB L'Jarius Sneed

Tennessee Titans cornerback L'Jarius Sneed tackles Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson. — Former Tennessee Titans cornerback L'Jarius Sneed. | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

L'Jarius Sneed's tenure with the Tennessee Titans was nothing short of a disaster.

After Tennessee acquired him via trade with the Kansas City Chiefs and handed him a massive extension, Sneed never remotely came close to living up to his deal.

The biggest issue was Sneed's injuries, of which there were many. When he was on the field, Sneed wasn't his formerly elite self, but one has to wonder if injuries were the biggest reason for that.

On the surface, the Bears have three starting cornerbacks already in Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson and Kyler Gordon, but lest we forget that Stevenson got passed up on the depth chart by Nahshon Wright, who is no longer in Chicago.

If Sneed can finally get healthy and signs a cheap deal with the Bears, it's very conceivable he could beat out Stevenson for a starting job in a head-to-head competition.