Bears 2016 Free Agency Tracker: Latest News & Updates
(CBS) The 2016 NFL league year officially started Wednesday at 3 p.m. CT, after the legal tampering period had already opened Monday to start the free-agent chaos.
The Bears are well-positioned from a salary cap standpoint. They enter free agency with a little more than $46 million in free cap space.
Notably, the Bears are expected to be active in their pursuit of defensive players.
For all the latest news and updates, bookmark this page, which will be your portal for the latest news regarding the Chicago Bears and free agency.
670 The Score links
Emma: Danny Trevathan aims to transform Bears defense
Emma: Zach Miller thankful his comeback story can continue in Chicago
TE Zach Miller returns to Bears on 2-year deal
Akiem Hicks signed with Bear for 2-year deal
Bears sign Jerrell Freeman to 3-year deal
Chicago re-signs special teams standout Sherrick McManis
Danny Trevathan, Bobby Massie bring tough demeanors to Bears
Durkin's free agent spotlight: ILB Danny Trevathan
Ryan Pace, Bears work wisely on Day 1 of free agency
Bears sign OT Bobby Massie to 3-year deal
Bears re-sign CB Tracy Porter to 3-year deal
Bears re-sign RB Jacquizz Rodgers
Tuesday, March 15
11:12 a.m. -- Tight end Zach Miller is thankful his comeback story can continue in Chicago after signing a two-year deal with the Bears, writes Chris Emma.
Monday, March 14
5:33 p.m. -- After a career year in 2015, tight end Zach Miller is returning to the Bears on a two-year deal.
12:32 p.m. -- Safety Eric Weddle will sign with the Ravens, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported. Safety is a position of need for the Bears.
10:53 a.m. -- New defensive lineman Akiem Hicks cited an upward-trending direction for the team as a big reason for signing in Chicago, saying, "I'm a believer."
10:06 a.m. -- The Bears have re-signed tight end Rob Housler to a one-year deal. He had four receptions in 2015. The Bears are still trying to figure out their tight end situation, with Martellus Bennett still on the trading block and Zach Miller a free agent.
Sunday, March 13
9:09 p.m. -- Akiem Hicks has signed a two-year deal with the Bears. The versatile, disruptive defensive lineman will play a key role on the Bears' defense, which has made massive upgrades in free agency.
6:38 p.m. -- Defensive end Akiem Hicks has visited the Bears and is still in Chicago, 670 The Score's Chris Emma reports. Hicks is a priority for the Bears right now, and they're playing the waiting game.
1:44 p.m. -- The Cardinals have signed tight end Jermaine Gresham. He had visited with the Bears.
Saturday, March 12
4:06 p.m. -- The Bears have re-signed receiver Marc Mariani to a one-year deal. He caught 22 passes on 2015 and also handled some return duties.
3:10 p.m. -- The Bears' next current priorities in free agency will by attempting to close on defensive end Akiem Hicks and re-sign tight end Zach Miller, 670 The Score's Chris Emma reports.
2:25 p.m. -- Defensive lineman Mitch Unrein has re-signed with the Bears on a two-year deal.
1:30 p.m. -- The Bears have signed linebacker Jerrell Freeman to a three-year deal worth $12 million, with $6 million guaranteed. He had 112 tackles last season. Paired with the addition of Danny Trevathan, Chicago has upgraded its defense with the first- and third-ranked free-agent inside linebackers in free agency, per Pro Football Focus.
Friday, March 11
4:38 p.m. -- The Jets have Matt Forte, and now will add another Bear or perhaps two. Defensive end Jarvis Jenkins has agreed to a three-year deal with New York, which also welcomed linebacker Shea McClellin in for a visit.
12:17 p.m. -- Bears defensive end free agent Jarvis Jenkins is visiting the Jets today, the New York Daily News' Manish Mehta reported. Jenkins had 22 tackles and four sacks in 15 games for Chicago last season.
9:16 a.m. -- The Bears will host defensive end Akiem Hicks and linebacker Jerrell Freeman at Halas Hall today, sources confirmed to Chris Emma. Hicks, 26, had three sacks in time split between the Saints and Patriots in 2015. Freeman, 29, had 112 tackles in 13 games for the Colts last season.
8:32 a.m. -- The Bears will host tight end Jermaine Gresham for a visit today, according to multiple reports. The 27-year-old Gresham had 18 catches for the Cardinals in 2015. The Bears have a disgruntled starting tight end in Martellus Bennett, with whom they're mutually working with to find a trade partner, according to reports. Chicago's No. 2 tight end last season was Zach Miller, who's now a free agent.
Thursday, March 10
7:31 p.m. -- New Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan aims to transform the defense, writes Chris Emma.
7:12 p.m. -- Former Bears offensive tackle Jermon Bushrod confirmed on Twitter that he's signing with the Dolphins, who are coached by former Chicago offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
6:33 p.m. -- The Bears have re-signed special teams standout and defensive back Sherrick McManis to a two-year deal. He had a team-high 17 special teams tackles in 2015.
4:59 p.m. -- Linebacker Danny Trevathan and right tackle Bobby Massie bring their tough demeanors to the Bears, writes 670 The Score's Chris Emma.
4:38 p.m. -- Bears defensive back/special teamer Sherrick McManis is visiting the Patriots, the Tribune's Brad Biggs reports.
2:41 p.m. -- The Bears are expected to host defensive lineman Akiem Hicks for a visit Friday, the Tribune's Brad Biggs reports.
10:18 a.m. -- The Bears appear to be out of the sweepstakes for running back C.J. Anderson, who has been offered more money by the Dolphins, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Omar Kelly. Because Anderson's a restricted free agent, all that's left to decide is whether the Broncos will match the Dolphins' offer, Kelly reported.
9:40 a.m. -- The Bears have $31.4 million in cap space, according to NFLPA documents.
9:00 a.m. -- Former Bears running back Matt Forte's contract with the Jets runs for three years and $12 million, with $8 million guaranteed. That's a price Chicago certainly could have paid if so desired. Forte's signed in New York through the age of 33.
8:20 a.m. -- The Bears have called for a 3 p.m. press conference to introduce new signings Danny Trevathan and Bobby Massie.
6:35 a.m. -- While many of you were just beginning your day, the Raiders made a big splash, signing cornerback Sean Smith.
Wednesday, March 9
10:13 p.m. -- To close out the day (we think), Chris Emma wraps up Day 1 with his reaction to Ryan Pace's move for the Bears.
9:07 p.m. -- Linebacker Danny Trevathan's four-year deal with the Bears is worth $24.5 million, with $12 million of that guaranteed, according to the Tribune's Brad Biggs.
7:20 p.m. -- Defensive lineman Jaye Howard has agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $12 million to stay with the Chiefs, per Rand Getlin. He was considered one of the top defensive linemen on the open market, so his price may help set the market at a position the Bears have in mind too. Howard had 5.5 sacks last year.
6:45 p.m. -- From 670 The Score's Chris Emma: Among the Bears' next moves will be trying to re-sign TE Zach Miller and close on DE Akiem Hicks, with both receiving interest from other suitors.
4:46 p.m. -- The Bears' signing of offensive tackle Bobby Massie is a three-year deal, the team confirmed.
4:42 p.m. -- The Bears brought cornerback Tracy Porter back on a three-year deal.
4:27 p.m. -- After a bounce-back year in Chicago in 2015, cornerback Tracy Porter will return to the Bears, according to reports. Porter also confirmed it with an emoji-filled tweet.
4:17 p.m. -- The Bears will sign 26-year-old offensive tackle Bobby Massie, writes 670 The Score's Chris Emma. He spent his first four seasons with the Cardinals and has started 30 games over the past two seasons. The move hints at Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long, a three-time Pro Bowler, moving back to right guard.
4:11 p.m. -- The Bears have re-signed running back Jacquizz Rodgers and tackle Nick Becton to one-year deals, they announced.
3:59 p.m. -- Kyle Long gave his approval of the Bobby Massie signing and seems fine with a potential move back to right guard, jokingly tweeting, "Just got the call I'm moving to defensive line."
3:58 p.m. -- In Danny Trevathan, the Bears have nabbed a true three-down linebacker who can thrive in any situation, writes 670 The Score's Dan Durkin.
3:51 p.m. -- The Bears will sign offensive tackle Bobby Massie, Bleacher Report's Jason Cole reported.
3:43 p.m. -- News broke earlier Wednesday that receiver Marvin Jones was signing with the Lions. Now the financial terms are in: $40 million over five years, according to Albert Breer. That includes $13 million in 2016. Jones had 65 catches for 816 yards for the Bengals last season.
3:11 p.m. -- The Bears got their guy: Inside linebacker Danny Trevathan is coming to Chicago, according to Adam Schefter and other reports. The 25-year-old Trevathan had a team-high 109 tackles for the Super Bowl champion Broncos last season. John Fox was part of the Broncos brain trust that drafted Trevathan in the sixth round in 2012.
2:37 p.m. -- The Texans will sign offensive lineman Jeff Allen, according to Ian Rapoport. The deal is for four years and $28 million, according to Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo. The Bears want to add depth to their offensive line, but they're likely to look in a lower price range. An Illinois product, Allen spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs.
2:25 p.m. -- RB Lamar Miller is signing with the Texans, joining Osweiler in the backfield, according to multiple reports. There's the end of the Arian Foster era in Houston.
2:07 p.m. -- It's really heating up! Just days after the retirement of Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler will sign with the Texans over the defending champion Broncos, according to Rand Getlin.
2:05 p.m. -- Exhale, Bears fans. Matt Forte has chosen the Jets over the Packers (and Dolphins), Adam Schefter reported.
12:11 p.m. -- Two strong suitors for former Bears running back Matt Forte include the Jets and Adam Gase's Dolphins, per Ian Rapoport. Other reports suggest the Packers stand as the favorite.
11:08 a.m. -- The Bears are one of 12 teams interested in defensive end Akiem Hicks, who isn't expected to sign today, a source told 670 The Score's Chris Emma.
9:51 a.m. -- Safety George Iloka will re-sign with the Bengals at five years and $30 million, Adam Schefter reports.
9:40 a.m. -- Defensive end Chris Long, brother of Bears offensive lineman Kyle, with a simple tweet: "I'm not a 3-4 end." Count him out for the Bears.
5:24 a.m. -- Cornerback Janoris Jenkins will leave the Rams and sign with the Giants, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. He was widely regarded as the top cornerback on the market.
Tuesday, March 8
8:02 p.m. -- The Raiders continued to load up on a big day, adding linebacker Bruce Irvin, per Ian Rapoport, in a bit of a stunner.
7: 15 p.m. -- Defensive end Charles Johnson will return to the Panthers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
1:57 p.m. -- New reports have stated that Malik Jackson will get up to $90 million from the Jaguars, including $42 million fully guaranteed. As Jackson said, "What a time to be alive."
1:22 p.m. -- The Bears have expressed interest in 26-year-old defensive end Akiem Hicks, a source told Chris Emma. While in New Orleans, Bears general manager Ryan Pace was part of the group that identified Hicks, whom the Saints drafted in the third round in 2012. Hicks had three sacks in 2015 in time split between the Saints and Patriots.
12:45 p.m. -- The Bears remain the favorite to sign linebacker Danny Trevathan, according to the Denver Post's Troy Renck. With 109 tackles, Trevathan played a leading role on the Broncos' rock-solid defense that led them to a Super Bowl title this past season.
12:44 p.m. -- Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and the Giants have agreed to terms on a one-year, $10.5-million deal, according to multiple reports.
12:29 p.m. -- The Packers are expressing interest in former Bears running back Matt Forte, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. That's much to the chagrin of Bears chairman George McCaskey, who recently responded, "Don't even go there" when asked about the thought of Forte in a Green Bay uniform.
12:12 p.m. -- Linebacker Tamba Hali and the Chiefs have agreed to terms on a three-year deal, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
12:05 p.m. -- Defensive end Malik Jackson, who was a force on the Super Bowl champion Broncos, told ESPN's Josina Anderson that he intends to sign with the Jaguars. The Bears had serious interest in Jackson, whom John Fox coached in Denver.
9:09 a.m. -- Former Ravens guard Kelechi Osemele has agreed to a deal with the Raiders, according to ESPN's Rand Getlin. The Bears are in the market for another guard, but Osemele demanded big money, and Chicago's likely to save that for the defensive side of the ball.
Bears' unrestricted free agent list
* Sam Acho, outside linebacker, 27
* Alan Ball, cornerback, 30
* Vladimir Ducasse, guard, 28
* Matt Forte, running back, 30 (signed with Jets)
* Rob Housler, tight end, 27 (re-signed with Bears)
* Jarvis Jenkins, defensive end, 27 (signed with Jets)
* Marc Mariani, wide receiver, 28 (re-signed with Bears on one-year deal)
* Sherrod Martin, safety, 31
* Shea McClellin, linebacker, 26
* Sherrick McManis, cornerback, 28 (re-signs with Bears on two-year deal)
* Zach Miller, tight end, 31 (re-signs with Bears on two-year deal)
* Will Montgomery, center, 33
* Ryan Mundy, safety, 31
* Tracy Porter, cornerback, 29 (re-signs with Bears on three-year deal)
* Chris Prosinski, safety, 28
* Jacquizz Rodgers, running back, 26 (re-signs with Bears on one-year deal)
* Mitch Unrein, defensive end, 28 (re-signed with Bears on two-year deal)
Bears' restricted free agent list
* Nick Becton, tackle, 26 (re-signed with Bears on one-year deal)
* Patrick Omameh, guard, 26
* LaRoy Reynolds, inside linebacker, 25
* Deonte Thompson, receiver, 27
Bears' exclusive rights free agent list
* Josh Bellamy, receiver, 26 — received tender offer (one year, $760,000)
Free agency preview content
Durkin: Bears free agency primer
Emma: Bears' top free agency targets
Durkin: Bears' salary cap outlook
Ryan Pace prepares for 'dangerous water' of free agency
