Can Bears find value on waiver wire? Here are five names to watch

While the Chicago Bears have submitted their initial 53-man roster, that doesn’t mean the team’s search for talent has ended.

On Tuesday, more than 1,000 players were waived or released, and over the years the Bears have typically been busy after cutdown day. Over the last two seasons, they have claimed nine players.

General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have worked hard to remake the roster, but Chicago does have some areas of need and concern. USA Today’s Brendan Sugrue has identified five players that the Bears should claim off waivers.

Ricky Stomberg

Stromberg, a center taken in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, was let go by the Washington Commanders. He also can play guard, but injury could be a concern. He appeared in only four games last season and was placed on injured reserve after hurting his knee in Week Eight.

“Assuming his health isn't a massive concern, Stromberg is worth bringing in and replacing someone like Doug Kramer or possibly Bill Murray,” Sugrue said. “He's unproven, but he could be worth the risk.”

Jamal Agnew

The Bears have been looking for help in the return game, and Agnew’s resume shows he can fill that role. He was selected to the Pro Bowl following the 2022 season after averaging 26.0 yards on kickoff returns and 8.2 yards on punt returns. He was even better in 2023, upping those numbers to 26.1 and 10.3. In seven seasons Agnew has scored six touchdowns as a returner and can contribute at wide receiver.

Jaquelin Roy

Defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy “had versatility in college and plays with a high motor, something Bears head coach Matt Eberflus would covet in a player,” Sugrue said. Roy was drafted in the fifth round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2023 and played in 12 games as a rookie, totaling eight tackles, including one for a loss. At 6 feet 3 inches and 305 pounds, he could provide size and depth behind Andrew Billings.

Jonah Laulu

Laulu, a 2024 seventh-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts, is another option for the defensive interior. At the combine, Laulu impressed with his athleticism, posting a Relative Athletic Score of 9.62. That raw talent may be enough for the Bears to take a flyer on a player whose upside is longer than his stat sheet. In two seasons at Oklahoma, Laulu totaled 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Will Clapp

After toiling as a reserve for five seasons, Clapp started 11 games at center for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. If the Bears miss out on Stromberg, he presents another viable option on the offensive interior. Clapp played with current Bears and Gerald Everett and Keenan Allen in LA. “The Bears don't have many options at center if Coleman Shelton were to be sidelined,” said Segrue. “Clapp isn't exciting, nor is he great, but he's doable, and that's what you're going to get during waiver claims following the roster cutdown period.”

Chicago sits at ninth in the waiver order.

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