The Chicago Bears lost two key offensive starters this offseason.
Now the team may be looking for a cheap but explosive weapon to help keep Ben Johnsonâs offense dangerous.
Bears Could Target Speedster Tutu Atwell to Boost Ben Johnsonâs Offense
The Chicago Bears are entering the 2026 NFL season facing major changes on offense.
Two important pieces from last yearâs lineup are now gone. Center Drew Dalman retired at just 27, while the team traded star wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills for a second-round pick.
Both departures leave noticeable holes in Chicagoâs offense â and the Bears will need to find creative solutions to replace that production.
One possible answer could come from free agency.
Why Chicago Needs Another Receiver
The Bears still have a promising group of pass catchers.
Second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze, rookie standout Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland are expected to play major roles in Ben Johnsonâs offense moving forward.
Loveland actually led the team in receiving yards last season, while veteran tight end Cole Kmet remains a reliable target in the middle of the field.
However, Chicago still needs depth and speed behind its top weapons â particularly after moving on from Moore.
Thatâs where a potential free-agent signing could come into play.
Tutu Atwell Could Be an Ideal Fit
One intriguing option is Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell.
The 26-year-old former second-round pick is expected to hit free agency after an injury-plagued 2025 season.
Atwell played in only 10 games, finishing with six receptions for 192 yards and one touchdown. A hamstring injury sent him to injured reserve, and he was later a healthy scratch during the playoffs.
While those numbers appear underwhelming, the context matters.
The Rams shifted toward heavier formations with three tight ends, which reduced the number of wide receivers on the field. With Puka Nacua and Davante Adams dominating targets, Atwell became an afterthought in the offense.
Speed That Changes Defensive Strategy
Atwellâs biggest weapon is simple: elite speed.
He reportedly ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash, making him one of the fastest players available in free agency.
That speed alone forces defenses to respect the deep ball.
In Ben Johnsonâs offensive system, a vertical threat like Atwell could open space for other receivers and tight ends to work across the middle â an area where Johnson loves to attack defenses.
Even if Atwell isnât a high-volume receiver, his presence could make the offense more dynamic.
Special Teams Value
Atwell also brings versatility.
Throughout his career, he has contributed as both a kick returner and punt returner.
That could be especially valuable for Chicago since Devin Duvernay, who handled return duties last season, is also headed toward free agency.
Adding Atwell would give the Bears another option in the return game while also strengthening the receiving corps.
A Low-Risk Opportunity
According to projections from Pro Football Focus, Atwell could command a one-year contract worth around $2 million.
For a player with elite speed and upside, that price would represent minimal risk for the Bears.
And in an offense designed by one of the NFLâs most creative play-callers, Atwell could potentially rediscover the form he showed during the 2024 season, when he posted 42 catches for 562 yards.
The Bears arenât necessarily looking for someone to replace DJ Moore outright.
But adding another playmaker who complements their young core could help unlock the full potential of Ben Johnsonâs offense.
Leave a Reply