The Chicago Bears may be seeking a replacement for veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen when the 2025 NFL free agency period begins in just two weeks. CBS Sports predicts they could target another former All-Pro to address their needs.
Garrett Podell of CBS Sports recently examined the free-agent wide receiver market, set to heat up with negotiations starting at noon ET on March 10, and identified potential landing spots for top players expected to hit the market. While Allen—who the Bears must re-sign to keep him for 2025—was mentioned, Podell also listed Chicago as one of the ideal fits for former All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs, whose contract with the Houston Texans expires in two weeks. He even suggested the Bears could sign Diggs for under $15 million per year.
“Joining a team with an established No. 1 receiver would be the most logical move,” Podell said. “But at this point in Diggs’ career, he might prioritize securing the biggest payday with a high target share.”
Are the Bears Right for Stefon Diggs After Injury?
Two years ago, pursuing Diggs may have seemed too ambitious for the Bears, but that could change during the 2025 offseason.
When the Texans acquired Diggs last year, the expectation was that he would provide quarterback C.J. Stroud with a reliable target and increase his value ahead of free agency in 2025. Unfortunately, Diggs’ season was cut short by a torn ACL in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Now, Diggs, who will be 32 in November, is looking for a team willing to take a chance on him following his knee injury. He may seek a team where he can secure consistent targets, but this will depend on his options and whether he prioritizes money, role, or a chance at a championship.
If Diggs is intrigued by what the Bears are building under new head coach Ben Johnson or wants revenge on his former team, the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago could be an appealing option. The Bears have the cap space to make a competitive offer, and with D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze returning, they still need to fill the gap left by Allen.
For a one-year deal worth $15 million, signing Diggs could be a solid move for the Bears.
Bears Have Other WR Options in Free Agency
Whether the Bears pursue a wide receiver like Diggs for $15 million or more will depend on how much new head coach Ben Johnson wants to enhance the offense. However, with Moore earning $27.5 million annually and Odunze entering his second year on a first-round rookie contract, it’s unlikely the Bears would invest heavily in another wide receiver.
That said, the Bears may still add a veteran receiver. While they may not be willing to spend the money needed for top-tier players like Diggs, Amari Cooper, or Chris Godwin, there are some value options that could make sense for a third or fourth receiver role. Players like Darius Slayton, K.J. Osborn, and Marquise Brown—who are all under 30—could bring experience to the receiver group.
Another option could be Tim Patrick, who revived his career under Johnson’s guidance in Detroit last season after suffering season-ending injuries in each of the two previous years.
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