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There are actually three main acquisition periods for the NFL. Free agency in March, the draft in April - which has reached it’s conclusion - and the hoopla of undrafted free agents that aren’t selected by teams. The organizations that can make the most out of undrafted free agents are those that fill out their roster depth the best.
In previous years, Ryan Pace’s Bears have found Bryce Callahan and Cameron Meredith on the undrafted free agent market. They’ve also signed names such as Roy Robertson-Harris after the fact to develop into rotational players. This is an avenue of the market that Chicago clearly values very highly. They have to do more than capitalize on your complete draft class alone.
As the Bears fill out their roster with undrafted free agents over the course of the rest of the weekend and next few days, we’ll have all updates, rumors, and news of players joining Chicago. To note, SB Nation already has an in-depth list of players still available to sign. But the names will go fast!
The time to maximize the back-end of the Bears’ franchise is now.
April 28th - Notre Dame tweeted out that inside linebacker Nyles Morgan is signing with the Bears.
April 28th - The Bears have signed running back Ryan Nall, reports NFL.com’s Herbie Toepe. One of the most effective versatile playmakers in college football last year.
April 28th - University of Connecticut pass rusher Elijah Norris is signing with Chicago
April 28th - Michael Joseph, a cornerback from Dubuque has signed with the Bears
April 28th - Center Dejon Allen from Hawaii has reached an agreement to sign with the Bears
April 28th - TCU safety Nick Orr has agreed to terms with Chicago
April 28th - Kevin Toliver, a cornerback from LSU will be joining the Bears secondary
April 28th - The Bears are expected to add Andrew Trumbetti (DE, Notre Dame) as an OLB
After initial reports linking the Bears and local product Simmie Cobbs, it now looks as though he’s heading to the Redskins.
#Indiana WR Simmie Cobbs has agreed to terms with the #Redskins, source said. Another big target
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 29, 2018
Which leads to this reminder I shot out on Twitter earlier today...
After the #NFLDraft the Wild-West-like UDFA signings will begin. Keep in mind nothing is official until the teams announce it. Players and agents will occasionally Tweet something, only to have a better offer come their way.
— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) April 28, 2018
Truly a Blessing! Now it’s time to work! #DaBears https://t.co/roVseppWBt
— Rashard Ahmad Fant (@RashardFant) April 29, 2018
Maryland pass rusher Cavon Walker will sign with the Bears as an undrafted free agent, per a source.
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) April 29, 2018
Pitt punter Ryan Winslow signs free agent deal with Chicago Bears
— Jerry DiPaola (@JDiPaola_Trib) April 28, 2018
Olubunmi Rotimi/DE/Old Dominion has signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears. Good pick up for Chicago. Scouting Report: https://t.co/AmATuoJ0yH
— Draft Analyst (@DraftAnalyst1) April 29, 2018
Congrats to our own Abdullah Anderson, who signed as a free agent with the @ChicagoBears!
— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) April 29, 2018
Story: https://t.co/ZqAw0wJkfZ | #StartTheStampede #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/nr4umNATo8
The UDFA signings keep coming in for the Chicago Bears, as we signed wide receiver Garrett Johnson from Kentucky. He is a smaller receiver that can create separation, and can also make plays after the catch. He was known as "Juice" in college.
— Dan DeYoung (@DanDeYoung80) April 29, 2018
Highlights:https://t.co/Lym0zt7YL6
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