Bears lose multiple players who are free agent steals for their new teams
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The Chicago Bears entered the offseason with a few clear needs, but before they could kick-start free agency, they dealt DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills and released Tremaine Edmunds.
Those were tough losses, but in free agency, things only got worse. Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Nahshon Wright, Chauncy Gardner-Johnson, Edmunds, and even Jonathan Owens all found landing spots on new teams.
While losing players in free agency is common, for the Bears, these losses turned into free-agent steals for other teams. Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report highlighted three players who are steals on their new teams, and it's not even all that the Bears lost.
Bears lose multiple players to new teams in free agent steals
The New York Giants' signing of Tremaine Edmunds for three years at $36 million was a steal, as was the New York Jets landing of Nahshon Wright for one year at $5.5 million, along with the New England Patriots signing of Kevin Byard for $9 million, according to Davenport.
All of those were among Davenport's top-10 free agent steals through the first week of free agency. And that doesn't even include the $5 million contract Brisker got from the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was also a massive discount.
While the Bears did add Devin White and Coby Bryant, two solid players who replace a few of those departing veterans, it doesn't change that other teams signed the former Bears players and got those additions labeled as steals.
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Conversely, none of the Bears' free agent additions have been mentioned as steals this offseason. The trade return for Moore, a second-rounder, is a great one and is the closest thing that could be considered a steal for the Bears.
However, losing multiple players, most of which considered steals for their new teams, does sting for Ryan Poles and the Bears.
Wright at $5.5 million is well worth the investment. Brisker and Byard aren't that expensive for the upside that they bring, either.
While the Bears will still be in good shape for 2026 and a top playoff contender, it doesn't change how their losses turned into steals for other teams around the NFL.
More Bears news:
- Drew Dalman surprisingly retires at 27 years old after Pro Bowl season
- DJ Moore trade to Bills isn't expected to be all Bears do in trade market
- Bears can trade for Maxx Crosby after Ravens back out of Raiders deal
- Bears to sign WR and returner Kalif Raymond to $5.5 million contract News
- Bears to sign Devin Bush to $30 million contract
- Coby Bryant to sign with Bears on $40 million contract
- D’Marco Jackson to re-sign with Bears on $7.5 million deal