The Chicago Bears are putting one more piece in place before the NFL’s permissible tampering period begins 2025 free-agent discussions on Monday.
According to Over the Cap, the Bears have signed defensive lineman Jonathan Ford, a former Green Bay Packers draft pick, as an exclusive rights free agent for the 2025 season on a one-year, $1.03 million contract.
Ford, a 2022 seventh-round pick, spent the most of his first three NFL seasons with the Packers, dividing his time between the active roster and practice squad but appearing in no games. The Packers placed him on injured reserve to begin the season, but dismissed him after his activation in October, and the Bears signed him.
Once in Chicago, Ford began to notice some activity. He played at least 16 defensive snaps in each of the Bears’ final four regular-season games, totaling nine tackles and one tackle for loss, including a career-high five tackles in Week 15 versus Minnesota.
Ford’s return gives the Bears more depth on the interior of their defensive line for next season, behind returning starters Gervon Dexter Sr. and Andrew Billings. His roster spot, however, is far from certain, as the Bears will have the option to release him — and save the whole cost of his deal — if he fails to earn his keep.
According to OTC, the Bears also signed cornerback Ameer Speed, defensive end Daniel Hardy, and left lineman Bill Murray as exclusive rights free agents for the 2025 season.
Bears also retain Chris Williams to bolster the defensive line.
The Bears will most certainly attempt to add to their defensive line during free agency and next month’s 2025 NFL draft, but they are using every other tool available to preserve last year’s depth intact before entering talks.
According to Over the Cap’s Jason Fitzgerald, the Bears also tendered defensive tackle Chris Williams as a restricted free agent with the right of first refusal. Other clubs will be able to sign Williams to an offer sheet in free agency, but the tender allows the Bears to match any offer to retain him in place for next season.
If Williams receives no further offers, he will sign a $3.263 million contract in 2025.
The Bears acquired Williams immediately before the start of the 2024 regular season by trading a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns. He was added to the rotation to bolster their depth after 2023 third-round pick Zacch Pickens sustained a preseason injury. In 17 games, he recorded three sacks, seven quarterback hits, and 23 total tackles.
Will the Bears make a significant investment in the defensive line?
The Bears are preparing their roster for the start of free agency, but Ford and Williams’ future value may change if they make a huge splash early in the bargaining session for their defensive line.
Will they finally make it happen?
If the Bears decide to look for superior players in free agency, they will have alternatives at edge rusher or defensive tackle. Philadelphia’s Josh Sweat and Las Vegas’ Malcolm Koonce are starter-quality edge rushers who are still in their prime and might get lucrative multi-year contracts on the open market. A better fit for the Bears, however, could be reconnecting with veteran Khalil Mack, who is older but presumably less expensive.
On the interior, the Bears will have more recently released veterans available, such as Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. Chicago could consider signing one of them to a short-term contract to improve their depth. If they want a more potent signing, Eagles defensive tackle Milton Williams might be the best option.
The NFL’s legal tampering period begins at 12:00 ET on Monday.
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