Chicago Bears add several undrafted free agents

Major Burns is one of several players headed to Chicago (Stephen Lew - USA Today Sports)

Dustin Riese - Senior Writer - 6 hours ago

Once the 2025 NFL draft concluded, and from all accounts it was a solid draft class, the Chicago Bears continued to focus on the rookie market as the undrafted free agent period began. This period typically starts roughly 1-2 hours after the initial draft concludes, as it allows all remaining prospects to sign contracts with any team they would like.

Although not at the same level as some of their previous undrafted free agent classes, the Bears continued to add to their 2025 rookie class by adding eight additional prospects to their roster.

Some of them have an opportunity to make this team out of camp, while most of them will be fighting to earn a spot on the Bears' practice squad.

Jonathan Kim (K Michigan State)

It's not too often that you see an undrafted free agent list highlighted by a kicker. This is the rare case where that happens, as Kim was one of the more accurate kickers in college and has now been signed by the Bears.

This is a long-term play, as a good showing from Kim could put him in line to replace Cairo Santos once his contract ends. Kim nailed 90.5 percent of his field goals (19-for-21) for the Spartans in 2024, but it goes far beyond the overall accuracy. Even more impressive is that he was perfect on kicks in the 40-49 yard range (8-for-8) and went 3-for-4 on attempts from 50+ yards.

Since the start of the 2023 season, Kim has been true on 7 of 11 kicks from beyond 50 yards. Kim leaves Michigan State’s campus with the best field goal percentage in school history, with an 82. 1 percent (32-for-39) success rate. That broke former Chicago Bears Kicker Paul Edinger's record.

Major Burns (S LSU)

When it comes to some of the best names in this year's undrafted free agent class, Major Burns has to be at the top of the list. The big 6-2, 201-pound safety is coming into a situation where the Bears have safety depth across the board, but will be looking for future depth pieces.

After starting his career with Georgia, Burns transferred to LSU, where a slew of injuries limited his time during his first two seasons. As a senior, Burns collected 47 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, forced two fumbles, and came up with three pass break-ups as he started to prove his worth.

Power Echols (Linebacker, North Carolina)

Another great name, Power Echols is another undrafted free agent stepping into an extraordinary situation. The 5-11, 225-pound linebacker is very undersized, but makes up for that with outstanding athleticism.

Consistently earning all ACC honors, whether it be second or third team, Echols was at his best during the 2023 season. During that season, he finished with 102 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, four quarterback pressures, two forced fumbles, and an interception. Given that the Bears need more Linebacker depth, he has an opportunity to be one of the few undrafted players to make this team.

Tysheem Johnson (S, Oregon)

When it comes to adding depth to a position that doesn't necessarily need depth, Tysheem Johnson comes to mind. Listed at 5-10 and 200 pounds, Johnson is the prototypical size for an NFL safety, although he could be a little taller.

The former four-star recruit coming out of high school, Johnson initially enrolled at Ole Miss before venturing to Dan Lanning's Oregon team to finish his career. The Philadelphia native earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition from coaches and media as a senior in 2024 after picking up 38 tackles and three of his six career interceptions.

Xavier Carlton (EDGE California)

It may not have happened the way the Bears or their fans anticipated, but the Bears found a way to address their Edge rush position, which came from Xavier Carlton on the free agent market. A massive 6-6, 275-pounder, Carlton is huge for an Edge rusher, but that hasn't stopped him from making plays.

Carlton came up with 9 sacks and 11 tackles-for-loss for the Bears last season, which is excellent production. That came after back-to-back 4.5 sack seasons as he finished his college career with 19 sacks. Chicago is hoping he can come into camp and show out to the point where he can earn a spot.

Gio Paez (DT LSU)

Sticking with the defensive side of the ball, Gio Paez was the final undrafted defensive player to sign with the Bears as he will look to add depth to the defensive line. Listed at 6-3 and 310 pounds, Paez is a force in the interior portion of the line and is someone the Bears would love to have anchoring the middle.

Paez registered 56 career tackles in 45 games while also picking up his lone career sack in 2024. Initially a Wisconsin Badgers defensive tackle, Paez transferred to LSU, where he became a legitimate run stopper.

Jahdae Walker (WR, Texas A&M)

While most of the Bears' undrafted free agent activity came on the defensive side, the Bears did add two talented receivers, including Jahdae Walker. Walker was named the Aggie Heart Award winner as a senior, which is regarded as the highest honor a Texas A&M senior football player can receive.

Walker wasn't considered a main target in the Aggies' offense, but still managed to register 935 yards and four scores the past two seasons. Walker had three 100-yard receiving games last year and averaged a team-best 16.9 yards per reception as a junior in 2023.

JP Richardson (WR, TCU)

Football is king in Texas, and sticking with Texas is where the Bears' final undrafted free agent comes from. He hails by the name of JP Richardson. Much smaller than many of the Bears wide receivers, Richardson checks in at 6-0 and 195 pounds.

Initially an Oklahoma State recruit, Richardson transferred to TCU before his Junior season and began to turn his career around. After picking up 503 yards and four scores during his sophomore season at OSU, Richardson racked up 536 yards in 2023 and a career-best 733 yards last year. While his touchdown numbers went down in the past two seasons, Richardson could find a role as the punt returner, returning 23 punts for 252 yards and one return touchdown last season.