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NFL: London Games Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) catches a three-yard touchdown pass against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown (30) in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears' three ‘biggest losses’ during free agency

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Mar 19, 2025 6:06 PM ET

The Chicago Bears became a much better team in March. New head coach Ben Johnson can ask second-year quarterback Caleb Williams to step up into a pocket behind a veteran interior offensive line of Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney, and Drew Dalman.

The Bears beefed up their defensive line with DT Grady Jarrett and DE Oday Odeyingbo. While the additions shouldn’t stop Chicago from adding young talent in the trenches during April’s draft, the team made sure to address their biggest needs from last season.

The Bears lost several key players from the 2024 season. ESPN recently released their rankings on the top three players from the 5-12 squad that didn’t make a return to Chicago for the upcoming season.

Biggest three losses for the Chicago Bears

1. Keenan Allen

Allen is going to go down as an expensive one-year rental for Chicago unless general manager Ryan Poles pulls off a miracle to bring the veteran wide receiver back. The Bears traded a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for Allen.

Allen’s base salary in 2024 was $18.1 million. He started and appeared in 15 games for the Bears, recording 70 receptions for 744 yards and six touchdowns.

At 32, he can still be a productive wide receiver in the league, but Chicago doesn’t need to overpay him with WR1 D.J. Moore and WR2 Rome Odunze on the roster.

After all, the Bears signed Olamide Zaccheaus last week to compete for the slot position.

2. Teven Jenkins

NFL: Chicago Bears at Arizona Cardinals Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkins (76) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jenkins was always the best or second-best offensive lineman on the field when he was healthy. Unfortunately, the No. 39 pick in the 2021 draft (former general manager Ryan Pace traded up for Jenkins) couldn’t stay on the field enough to justify a contract extension.

Jenkins appeared in 45 games and started 38. He made his most starts and appearances in 2024 (14) but often had to be subbed out of games. Jenkins has Pro Bowl talent and should find a team soon in free agency, although not for as much money as he’s worth if he didn’t have an injury history.

3. DeMarcus Walker

NFL: Chicago Bears at Arizona Cardinals Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end DeMarcus Walker (95) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Bears’ decision to release Walker was one of the more surprising moves of the offseason. Chicago made Walker a cap cut to save $5.25 million. He was dependable as a DE who could be switched to DT in certain packages.

Walker appeared in 34 games and started 29 during his two years in Chicago. He recorded 77 tackles, seven sacks, and 16 tackles for loss during that span. The Bears found his replacement in Odeyingbo during free agency.

At 30, Walker should find a rotation role on another team.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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