Ranking the Bears’ top 2024 offseason signings

By all accounts, the Chicago Bears offseason is coming to a close as we are just a few short weeks away from training camp. It has certainly been a memorable one.

General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus filled a number of coaching vacancies on both sides of the ball over the winter, made significant trades in the early spring, signed various free agents to fill roster holes, and won the draft in April with two top-10 picks. All in all, it was a significant offseason that should set the team up for success in 2024.

Not all offseason moves are created equal. Some additions may not have as big an impact as others. Here are our 10 best offseason signings for 2024.

November 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams center Coleman Shelton (65) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A one-year contract worth $3 million was signed

Center has been a problem for the Bears over the past few seasons, and whether Shelton becomes the starter or not, he’s still a capable veteran who at least offers valuable depth. They made a smart and inexpensive move for the former Super Bowl champion, who started all 17 games last year.

November 27, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Chargers center fielder Gerald Everett (7) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

A two-year contract was signed, worth $12 million and a maximum value of $14 million.

Everett was a sure thing to catch 40 passes for 400 yards over the past five seasons and got paid less than someone like Noah Fant. Even with Cole Kmet as the starter, Everett is a great TE2 and will have a chance to shine every week. He and Kmet will be able to play off each other and keep the defense guessing. It also doesn’t hurt that he knows the new offensive coordinator.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – MAY 10: Tory Taylor #19 of the Chicago Bears kicks the ball during the Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall on May 10, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Selected 122nd overall in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Spending a fourth-round pick on a punter is a bit of a gamble, but Taylor is a different breed. He was by far the best player at his position in college football and is a significant addition to the Bears’ punting unit in 2024. He’ll make an immediate impact this season.

November 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Ryan Bates (71) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills for a fifth-round draft pick in 2024.

Poles left many fans scratching their heads over the deal, but Bates could be the missing piece in a leaky interior line. He’s a candidate to win the fight for the center position, but don’t be surprised if he ends up replacing Nate Davis at right guard. The Bears have options with Bates, who has two more seasons under contract.

Mar 14, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard speaks during a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

A two-year contract worth $15 million was signed

Goodbye, Eddie Jackson; hello, Kevin Byard. Chicago trades former All-Pro safeties, but Byard fits better into what the Bears are doing. He still has the range to be a safety with the ball, and his tackles are much better than Jackson’s. Plus, he never leaves a game. Considering how he and Jaquan Brisker can mesh, Byard’s presence could mean a lot to this defense, even if he’s a bit overpaid.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JUNE 4: D’Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears looks on during the Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 4, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

A three-year contract worth $24 million was signed

The Bears wasted no time in finding their next quarterback, signing Swift within minutes of the opening of free agency in March. Swift is coming off a career-best year with 1,049 rushing yards and gives the Bears a quarterback who can not only run the guts but also be a threat in the receiving lane. He makes a lot of money, but the Bears haven’t had a player with his skill set in nearly four years.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – MAY 10: Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron looks on during the Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall on May 10, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

It’s only a matter of time before Waldron’s popularity inevitably falls after a few poor stretches, but his resume speaks for itself. Waldron has managed to create effective offenses with Jared Goff, Russell Wilson, and Geno Smith at quarterback. With so many weapons at his disposal and one of the best quarterback prospects in years, he’s in a perfect position to work in Chicago.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JUNE 4: Keenan Allen #13 of the Chicago Bears looks on during the Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 4, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers for a fourth-round draft pick in 2024.

No one expected the Bears to take Allen, but the Poles pounced on him as soon as they had the chance. The solid veteran showed he can still be one of the best receivers in the NFL, having 108 catches for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. Allen’s hands are among the best, and he’s a third-down pass machine. There’s a chance he’ll only be in town for a year and might not play in every game, but he’s still worth the investment.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – MAY 11: Rome Odunze #15 of the Chicago Bears looks on during the Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall on May 11, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Selected with the ninth pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Poles have had Odunze in their sights since the beginning of the draft, and the entire front office was happy when he was somehow available at No. 9. Odunze was one of the most productive receivers in college football over the past two years, with 2,785 yards and 20 touchdowns. Now he enters a great situation where he can learn from two stars in Allen and DJ Moore. Odunze officially makes the Bears’ receiving corps one of the best in the league.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JUNE 4: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass during the Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 4, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Who else do you think should be here? Byron Cowart? Williams has been the right pick for a long time in the draft, and all the Bears had to do was make it official in April. Not only did they do the right thing by drafting him, but the Bears are doing everything they can to set Williams up for success now and in the future with a deep roster. The former Heisman Trophy winner is easily the Bears’ best signing of the year.