The Bears fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy following two years, where the offense underwhelmed and after Getsy failed to develop quarterback Justin Fields. While Chicago had a top rushing offense, they were a bottom-five passing offense in back-to-back seasons. The Bears also fired quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko. Getsy was later hired as the Raiders offensive coordinator.

Following a wide search, the Bears hired Shane Waldron to replace Getsy as offensive coordinator. Waldron brings a lot of experience to the table, which includes three years calling plays for Seattle. His other stops included the Los Angeles Rams (2017-20), Washington Redskins (2016) and New England Patriots (2008-09). Waldron took over as Seahawks offensive coordinator in 2021, which marked Russell Wilson’s final season with the Seahawks after underwhelming results. But Waldron’s star has risen given the work he’s done with Geno Smith, who has proven to be a viable replacement in Seattle.

Chicago hired a new defensive coordinator in Eric Washington to fill the void left by former DC Alan Williams in Week 3 of the 2023 season. Washington actually got his NFL coaching start with the Bears as a defensive assistant (2008-09) and later defensive line coach (2010). He also served as a defensive line coach with the Carolina Panthers (2011-17) and then defensive coordinator with the Panthers from 2018-19. Washington’s latest stop comes with Buffalo, where he’s served as defensive line coach since 2020 while also receiving promotions to senior defensive assistant (2022) and later assistant head coach (2023).

In addition to hiring new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and defensive coordinator Eric Washington, the Bears also made these coaching moves:

• Kerry Joseph as quarterbacks coach
• Thomas Brown as offensive passing game coordinator
• Chris Beatty as wide receivers coach
• Chad Morton as running backs coach
• Jason Houghtaling as assistant offensive line coach
• Robbie Picazo as assistant quarterbacks and receivers coach
• Jennifer King as assistant running backs coach

The Bears released safety Eddie Jackson and offensive lineman Cody Whitehair to free up $21.71 million in salary cap space. Jackson’s release cleared up $12.56 million with Whitehair’s release freeing up $9.15 million.

Jackson was drafted by Chicago in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft, where he quickly established himself as a playmaker. Jackson earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018 and 2019 and was first-team All-Pro in 2018. In seven seasons with the Bears, Jackson totaled 459 tackles, 15 interceptions, 44 pass breakups, 10 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 14 tackles-for-loss and 2.0 sacks. He also scored six defensive touchdowns, which is tied for the third-most in franchise history.

Whitehair was selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft, where he became a mainstay along the interior offensive line. Whitehair appeared in 124 games, including 118 starts, in eight seasons with Chicago. He spent his first three years at center before moving back to his natural guard position. Whitehair was named to the Pro Bowl in 2018.

Contract: 4 years, $76 million

Technically, Chicago locked Johnson up before free agency started, but I’m including him anyway considering they extended who would’ve been the best free agent cornerback on market. After the Bears placed the franchise tag on Johnson, the two sides agreed to terms on a multi-year extension just a couple of days later to keep the Pro Bowl and All-Pro cornerback in Chicago for the foreseeable future. He was such a big part of the success of the defense down the stretch in 2023, where he established himself as one of the game’s best cover corners and unlocked the takeaway aspect of his game. Johnson is arguably the team’s best defensive player, alongside Montez Sweat, and bringing him back to lead a young, ascending secondary was a huge move for Poles.

Trade details: Chicago receives conditional sixth-round pick

The Bears finally made a decision at quarterback electing to trade Justin Fields to the Steelers in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick (that could turn into a fourth-rounder depending on his playing time in 2024). It’s a move that doesn’t come as a surprise, although the return value certainly is. Now, Fields gets a fresh start in Pittsburgh, where he’ll compete with Russell Wilson. Meanwhile, Chicago is 100 percent drafting a quarterback, and there’s a 99 percent chance it’s going to be Caleb Williams. At least now we can put the Justin Fields-Caleb Williams debate to bed.

Trade details: 2024 fourth-round pick to Chargers (No. 110)

The biggest move that the Bears made during the free agency period was trading for six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers. Allen, 31, is a six-time Pro Bowler who’s consistently been one of the league’s best wideouts. He addresses a huge need for Chicago at receiver, where he’ll serve as part of a dynamic duo alongside DJ Moore. Allen’s had at least 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards in five of the last seven seasons, including 2023. Last season, he totaled 108 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns in just 13 games. With the Bears expected to have rookie Caleb Williams under center next season, having two savvy veterans in Moore and Allen (along with other weapons in place) make for a perfect situation for the projected No. 1 pick.

Contract details: 2 years, $15 million

The Bears’ first move of free agency came the day before the legal tampering period with veteran safety Kevin Byard, who fills a big need at safety opposite Jaquan Brisker. Byard, a former third round pick, was a star with the Titans, including two All-Pro stints in 2017 and 2021. In 120 games, including 111 starts, Byard totaled 627 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 27 interceptions, 63 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 4.0 sacks and two defensive touchdowns. After being traded to the Eagles, Byard totaled 75 tackles, one interception and three pass breakups in 10 games. Byard brings a strong veteran presence to the secondary and will serve as an ideal complement to Brisker.

Contract details: 3 years, $24 million

The Bears’ first move of the legal tampering period of free agency was the addition of running back D’Andre Swift to a multi-year deal. He joins a Bears backfield featuring Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. Swift will serve as the new starting running back in Chicago. He’s coming off a career year with the Eagles, where he rushed for 1,049 yards with 4.6 yards per carry and five touchdowns while adding 39 catches for 214 yards and a score. Swift is expected to be a focal point in new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s offense. While Justin Fields is currently on the roster, the expectation is Chicago will have a rookie quarterback starting in 2024, so having a reliable veteran and playmaker like Swift in the backfield will be key.

Contract details: 2 years, $12 million

The Bears filled another key hole with the signing of veteran tight end Gerald Everett on the second day of the negotiation period of free agency. Everett, a former second-round pick by the Rams, spent the past two years with the Chargers. That included a career year in 2022, where he had 58 receptions for 555 yards and four touchdowns. Everett worked with new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron with the Rams (2017-20) and Seattle Seahawks (2021). Everett joins a tight end room featuring starter Cole Kmet, who’s coming off a career year after signing a four-year extension last offseason. He’s a good complement to Kmet as a pass-catching tight end. Kmet and Everett will be featured prominently in Waldron’s offense, as he utilizes a lot of 12-personnel.

Trade details: 2024 fifth-round pick to Bills (No. 144)

Poles finally got his guy in Bates, who Chicago traded a fifth-round pick to the Bills before free agency started. The Bears signed Bates to an offer sheet back in March 2022, when he was a restricted free agent, but Buffalo matched giving Bates a four-year, $17 million contract. Bates, 27, has appeared in 73 games, including 19 starts, in five seasons with the Bills. Bates appeared in 17 regular-season games in 2023, but he didn’t have any starts. He played just 35 offensive snaps, all coming at center. During the 2022 season, Bates started all 15 regular-season games he appeared in, playing 947 snaps, primarily at right guard (810) and some at center (137). Bates will compete with Coleman Shelton, who was signed to a one-year deal, for the starting center job while also providing interior offensive line depth.

Contract details: 2 years, $4.75 million

The Bears signed veteran safety Jonathan Owens, who’s most famously known as Simone Biles’ husband. Owens started 11 games with the Packers last season, where he totaled 84 tackles, including two for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and three pass breakups. Before joining Green Bay, Owens was signed as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans. This was the second move at safety for Chicago, who signed Byard before the start of free agency to replace the departed Eddie Jackson. Now, the Bears have shored up their safety group even more with Owens, who figures to be the primary backup and a key special teams contributor.

Contract details: 1 year, $3 million

The Bears made another move at center signing Coleman Shelton to a one-year deal. Shelton, an undrafted free agent in 2018, started all 17 games at center for the Los Angeles Rams last season. He started all 13 games he appeared in during the 2022 season, where he split time between left guard, center and right guard. This is the second offensive line move the Bears have made this offseason. They previously agreed to terms on a trade for Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Ryan Bates, pending a physical. Center was one of the team’s biggest remaining needs through the first few days of free agency. Now, there are two center options on the roster in Shelton and Bates. The expectation is Shelton and Bates will compete for the starting center position this offseason.

Contract details: 1 year, $1.152 million

Chicago re-signed long snapper Patrick Scales to a one-year deal, keeping their special teams unit in tact for a third season. Scales has been a mainstay on the roster since 2015. With Eddie Jackson and Cody Whitehair released, Scales remains the longest-tenured player on the roster.

Contract details: 1 year, $1.125 million

The Bears re-signed Dante Pettis bringing back a familiar face to the receivers room. Pettis, who spent the 2022 season with Chicago, missed the entire 2023 season after suffering a season-ending injury in training camp. But the Bears didn’t waste any time bringing him back to Chicago on a one-year deal. Pettis has been solid receiver depth, but he’s been even more valuable as a punt returner on special teams, an area where the Bears have notably struggled. Considering the team needed to add receivers outside of the their top options, this is a solid move for Chicago who addresses two needs between offense and special teams with Pettis.

Contract details: 1 year, $1.125 million

The Bears signed veteran offensive lineman Matt Pryor to a one-year deal to shore up the offensive line. Pryor, a former sixth-round pick in 2018, has stops with the Philadelphia Eagles (2018-20), Indianapolis Colts (2021-22) and San Francisco 49ers (2023). He also overlaps with Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, who served as the Colts defensive coordinator in 2021. Pryor also played in Philadelphia when Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham worked in the front office (2018-20). Pryor is expected to serve primarily as depth along Chicago’s offensive line. While he’s played some guard, most of Pryor’s experience comes at tackle. So he’ll be depth for projected starting tackles Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones.

Contract details: 1 year, $1.125 million

The Bears made a move at quarterback, signing Brett Rypien to a one-year deal to serve as veteran depth. Rypien, a former undrafted free agent, has appeared in games with the Denver Broncos (2020-22) and Los Angeles Rams (2023). In 10 games, with four career starts, Rypien has completed 58.3% of his passes for 950 yards with four touchdowns and nine interceptions. Rypien spent last season with new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph in Seattle last November. Rypien figures to serve as Nathan Peterman’s replacement as QB3. Rypien would be a veteran presence in a quarterback room featuring a likely rookie and second-year undrafted free agent.

Contract details: 1 year, $2.1 million

The Bears signed linebacker and special teams ace Amen Ogbongbemiga to a one-year contract. Ogbongbemiga, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, has been a special teams standout during his three-year career. In 47 career games, Ogbongbemiga has totaled 36 tackles, one sack and two fumble recoveries. He also recovered a fumble in the team’s playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022. Ogbongbemiga comes to Chicago to serve primarily as a special teams contributor while also adding depth to a linebacker group featuring Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Jack Sanborn and Noah Sewell.

Contract details: 1 year, $1.05 million

The Bears continued to add depth along the offensive line with the signing of Jake Curhan to a one-year deal. He joins the likes of Ryan Bates, Coleman Shelton and Matt Pryor as offseason offensive line additions. Curhan, 26, has played in 29 games (nine starts) in three seasons with the Seahawks. There’s an obvious Shane Waldron connection, as Curhan played for Waldron during that span in Seattle. Curhan has served primarily in a reserve role, and he’ll do the same serving as tackle depth along the offensive line.

Contract details: 1 year, $1.125 million

The Bears signed edge rusher Jake Martin on a one-year deal to serve as depth along the defensive line. Martin, 28, was selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He’s appeared in 91 NFL games, including 15 starts, during his six-year career with the Seahawks (2018), Houston Texans (2019-21), Denver Broncos (2022), New York Jets (2022) and Indianapolis Colts (2023). In six career NFL seasons, Martin has totaled 85 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 18.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and four pass breakups. Martin is expected to serve as a depth piece along the defensive line, and it’s clear Chicago still has more to do at edge rusher this offseason.

Contract details: 1 year, $1.125 million

The Bears signed defensive end Byron Cowart to add depth along the defensive line. Cowart, 27, is a former fifth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2019. He’s appeared in 36 NFL games, including 14 starts, during his three seasons, where he’s totaled 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and one pass breakup. During his three-year career, Cowart has had stops with the Patriots (2019-20) and Indianapolis Colts (2022).

Johnson contract details: 1 year, $1.055 million

Moore contract details: 1 year, $1.125 million

The Bears extended wide receiver Collin Johnson to a one-year deal. Johnson joined the team later in the 2023 season, where he was primarily on the practice squad. But he did appear in a few games down the stretch, including one catch for 11 yards.

Chicago signed defensive back Tarvarius Moore to add depth at safety. Moore, a former third-round pick, spent his first five seasons with the 49ers (2018-22). He served primarily in a depth role.

In addition to the free agency signings, here are the players Chicago signed to reserve/future deals:

• LB Micah Baskerville
• TE Stephen Carlson
• OL Jerome Carvin
• DB Adrian Colbert
• Douglas Coleman III
• OL Aviante Collins
• DL Michael Dwumfour
• DL Daniel Hardy
• DE Khalid Kareem
• OL Doug Kramer
• LS Cameron Lyons
• OL Bill Murray
• P Corliss Waitman
• WR Nsimba Webster