The Chicago Bears have signed six free agents who participated in the team’s rookie minicamp festivities, adding to their offseason roster churn. The signings include John Jackson III, a wide receiver and former teammate of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, Leon Jones, a cornerback with a unique quarterback background, Dashaun Mallory, a defensive tackle with local ties, Paul Moala, a linebacker with experience from multiple college teams, Freddie Swain, a wide receiver with NFL experience, and Tommy Sweeney, a tight end previously with the Buffalo Bills.

By the Numbers
  • John Jackson III played for USC (2020-22) and Nevada (2023), with a family tie to the Bears.
  • Leon Jones had 21 pass breakups in 32 games at Arkansas State, coming from a quarterback background.
  • Dashaun Mallory had a standout senior year at Arizona State in 2023, with 48 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 10 tackles-for-loss in 12 games.
  • Paul Moala played for Notre Dame (2018-21), Idaho (2022), and Georgia Tech (2023), showcasing strong performances in consecutive seasons.
  • Freddie Swain, a former Seattle Seahawks player, has 37 games of NFL experience and has a connection with Bears Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron.
  • Tommy Sweeney, a former seventh-round pick by the Buffalo Bills, has 18 catches, 165 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown in 24 games.
Yes, But

While the signings add depth and potential to the Bears roster, there's always a degree of uncertainty with tryout signings and their impact on the team's overall performance.

State of Play
  • The Bears continue to actively shape their roster through the addition of both draft picks and free agents.
  • The team's focus on acquiring talent from diverse backgrounds and experiences reflects a comprehensive approach to building a competitive team.
What's Next

The performance and impact of these acquisitions will be closely monitored as the Bears progress through their offseason activities and prepare for the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

The Bears' strategic signings illustrate a commitment to enhancing team depth and potential, setting the stage for an eventful and promising season ahead.