With two weeks to go until training camp, the Bears are entering the final stretch of roster preparation—and the latest wave of additions has sparked quiet curiosity across Chicago. Four under-the-radar signings have surfaced ahead of camp, and while no blockbuster names were involved, the timing and nature of these deals have raised eyebrows. Depth, upside, and strategy seem to be the play. But what’s really going on behind the scenes?
According to Just Another Year Chicago , the Bears have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Jordan McFadden, running back Travis Homer, and wide receivers Jahdae Walker and J.P. Richardson. Each of these signings falls in line with a low-risk, high-reward mindset that favors camp battles over splashy headlines.
It’s the kind of gritty, backdoor maneuvering that doesn’t turn heads—until it suddenly matters.
McFadden, a 6’5”, 315-pound tackle out of Clemson, brings size and versatility to the offensive line. A sixth-round pick in 2021, he started 38 games and was a key blocker during Clemson’s 2020 title run. His 3-year, $6M deal includes just $1.5M guaranteed—camp competition clearly baked into the structure. If he clicks, the Bears could have a steal on their hands.
Homer, a former Miami standout, signed a one-year, $1.2M “prove-it” contract. Known for his burst and hands, he also offers special teams value. He’s not going to bulldoze linebackers, but he’s slippery in space and dependable when the ball finds him. If nothing else, he gives the running back room a jolt of energy—and maybe even forces a tough decision come roster cutdowns.
Walker and Richardson round out the group. Walker, undrafted out of Tennessee, posted 1,100 yards and 9 TDs in 2023 and is seen as a red-zone weapon in development. Think long strides, jump balls, and potential mismatch nightmares. Richardson, more polished, comes with reliable hands and route-running instincts but lacks elite speed.
Still, the $2.2M RFA tender says the Bears see something. Maybe it’s locker room IQ. Maybe it’s leadership. Maybe it’s just the edge needed in close games.
These four deals hint at more than just depth moves. They represent a shift toward camp-fueled roster competition and cap-conscious structuring. Whether these players stick or not, their presence forces others to earn their spots—and that’s no accident.
With camp looming, Chicago’s front office appears willing to take risks on talent the rest of the league may have overlooked. In a city hungry for wins, the margin for error is razor-thin—but if even one of these long shots hits, it could quietly reshape the 2025 roster. And in July, that’s exactly the kind of bet that makes camp worth watching.
