The undrafted free agents are like lottery tickets for teams. They are young, low-cost players who, if they make the roster, can provide depth with minimal impact on the salary cap. If they really develop, they can be multi-year contributors to a roster, or even earn starting reps in some instances.
Some can even become legendary by catching the tying touchdown in the waning seconds against the division rival in a late December game.
Here are the players the Bears have signed in their initial 2026
UDFA class.
Offense
Jaren Kump, C/OL, Utah
Caden Barnett, iOL, Wyoming
Mason Murphy, OT, Auburn
Miller Moss, QB, Louisville
Squirrel White, WR, Florida State
Omari Kelly, WR, Michigan State
Coleman Bennett, RB, Kennesaw State
Hayden Large, TE, Iowa
Defense
KC Eziomume, CB, Tulane
Jayden Loving, DT, Wake Forest
Skyler Thomas, S, Oregon State
Special teams
Beau Gardner, LS, Georgia
Gabriel Plascencia, K, San Diego State
UDFA contracts aren’t always reported, but two were of this class, and that should give an indication of how the Bears value their chances of sticking around. Per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Loving received $245,000 in total guarantees, including a $20,000 signing bonus, and Barnett got $277,500 total guaranteed with a $30,000 signing bonus.
The Bears could adjust or add to this list after the rookie minicamp concludes (May 8-9), since a few 90-man roster spots are open.
What are your thoughts on these players? I see at least three who have a decent chance to make the 53-man roster.
