QB Justin Fields was spotted working with WR Darnell Mooney in Atlanta last week. Last night, FA QB Trevor Siemian agreed to a two-year deal to back up Fields. QB Nick Foles remains on the roster for now.

As expected, RB Tarik Cohen was released last week. He never played another down for the Bears after suffering a torn ACL in Week 3 of 2020 at the Falcons. It’s a shame to see his Bears tenure end this way after he was once such an electric playmaker and fan favorite, but even before his injury, his production had fallen in 2019. Earlier this month, Chicago claimed RB Darrynton Evans off waivers from the Titans. He’s missed quite a bit of time with injuries in his two NFL seasons, but he brings kick return ability and more speed than any back on the current roster. On Tuesday of this week, the Bears signed FB Khari Blasingame to a one-year deal. He’s mainly served as Derrick Henry’s lead blocker.

Last weekend, the team signed free agent WR Byron Pringle to a one-year contract for $4 million. He was a productive slot receiver and special teamer for the Chiefs, with a 42-568-5 stat line last season. Pringle also had 12-82-3 in the postseason, so this looks like it could be a sneaky good signing for new GM Ryan Poles, who obviously knows the receiver from KC. Last week, the Bears signed free agent WR Equanimeous St. Brown. The former Cheesehead brings good size to the receivers room at 6-5 214, but he hasn’t been very productive in the three NFL seasons he’s played in (37-543-1). Maybe new OC Luke Getsy, who coached him in Green Bay, thinks he can get more out of him. WR Allen Robinson signed with the Rams.

Early this month, the Bears tendered a one-year contract to exclusive rights FA TE Jesper Horsted.

Last week, Chicago signed free agent OL Lucas Patrick to a two-year deal. The former Cheesehead (another one?) expects to start at center, though the team did also tender C Sam Mustipher as an exclusive rights FA. On Wednesday of this week, the Bears signed FA guard Dakota Dozier to a one-year deal. He was a starter for the Vikes in 2020 but didn’t play any offensive snaps for them last season. Yesterday, the Bears signed Bills restricted FA OL Ryan Bates to an offer sheet. If the Bills don’t match within five days, Chicago could have a new starting guard to replace G James Daniels, who signed with the Steelers.

Most of the Bears’ big offseason headlines have been on this side of the ball. It all started on March 14^th with the release of DT Eddie Goldman. With the team now switching back to a 4-3 defensive scheme, there was no longer a need for a classic 3-4 run-stuffing nose tackle. Plus, Goldman was largely ineffective in 2021. On the same day, the Bears thought they had their three-technique to anchor the D-line, agreeing to terms with DT Larry Ogunjobi on a three-year deal worth $40 million. Unfortunately, Ogunjobi was unable to pass Chicago’s physical later that week, and the team nixed his deal last Friday. The Bears responded by signing FA DT Justin Jones later that day to a two-year deal. Two days later, they signed FA DE Al-Quadin Muhammad to a two-year contract. DT Bilal Nichols is headed to Vegas.

On March 16th, the Bears traded LB Khalil Mack to the Chargers for their second-rounder this year (#48 overall) and a sixth-rounder in 2023. You would think the Bears could’ve gotten more in return for Mack, especially after the Broncos got a second and a third for Von Miller, but perhaps Poles wasn’t willing to pay down more of Mack’s contract to get a better return. Mack certainly had his moments in Chicago, starting with that memorable dominant performance in the 2018 season opener and the "back sack" of Aaron Rodgers that helped clinch the NFC North title later that year. But unfortunately, the Bears’ kicker failed them in the playoffs that season, and the team never got that close again to a Super Bowl because of their atrocious offense. Mack himself dealt with injuries and occasional ineffectiveness the past two seasons.

On the same day as the Mack trade, the Bears signed FA LB Nicholas Morrow to a one-year contract. Morrow has good speed and athleticism and should be a nice addition. Also on the same day, the team released veteran LB Danny Trevathan. S DeAndre Houston-Carson is back on a one-year deal, while S Deon Bush left for the Chiefs. CB Artie Burns signed with Seattle. On special teams, WR Jakeem Grant left for Cleveland, while P Pat O’Donnell signed with the Cheeseheads.

End.