With NFL owners and players slowly working their way to the finish line on a new collective bargaining agreement that should bring labor peace for at least the next decade, it’s time to reacquaint ourselves with the Chicago Bears' roster.
As reported here, the Bears have 54 players to count on for their roster. With rosters expected to be expanded to 90 for training camp, there is still a lot of work to be done.
The Bears have 47 players under contract, five draft picks to sign, one restricted free agent and one exclusive rights free agent. It’s fully expected that quarterback Caleb Hanie, the RFA, and running back Kahlil Bell, the exclusive rights free agent, will return.
In terms of needing camp bodies, the Bears are light on both sides of the line, but almost every team can say that when they go to camp. The Bears can’t have too many linemen when they begin preparing for the season, especially if they will be practicing in weather like the Chicago area has experienced in the last week. They also need to add linebackers and defensive backs.
Figure the Bears will fill close to half of the 36 remaining spots with undrafted college free agents. What will the veteran shopping list look like?
C Olin Kreutz
LB Nick Roach
DT Anthony Adams
LB Brian Iwuh
WR Rashied Davis
CB Corey Graham
Veteran wide receiver
Veteran guard
Veteran punter
Veteran safety
That’s 10 spots that could be filled in free agency. Add roughly 18 undrafted college free agents, and the Bears quickly will be close to 90.
Here is how the 54-man roster looks right now by position:
Offense
Quarterbacks (4)
