The Chicago Bears signed just nine undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft. Former Illinois defensive tackle Keith Randolph Jr. was general manager Ryan Poles’ biggest signing. Expect Randolph Jr. to join a young core of interior defensive linemen on the 53-man roster.
The Bears signed Randolph Jr. to a three-year standard agreement that contained $220,000 in total guaranteed money, according to Spotrac. That made him one of the highest-paid undrafted free agents in the entire league. The financial commitment increased Randolph Jr.’s chances of making the team.
The Bears showed consistent interest in Randolph Jr. throughout the entire pre-draft process. They first met with him at this year's Senior Bowl, where he impressed throughout a productive week of practice and interviews. They then held a follow-up virtual meeting with Randolph Jr. to reiterate their interest in his services. Poles eventually kept the former Illini standout in-state by making him an aggressive offer.
.@IlliniFootball DL Keith Randolph Jr. enters the NFL Draft w/ 159 TKL/10.0 sacks.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) March 19, 2024
Key cog on 2022 #1 defense alongside @Johnny5Newton, @DevinWitherspo1, @SydBrown___
Follow-up virtual meetings w/ #IND, #AZ, #CHI, #SEA.@Randolph_23 on @TheDraftNetwork:https://t.co/cE3gantP5b
Poles' interest in acquiring another ascending defensive tackle was straightforward. The Bears did not receive much production from that position last season and changes were made this summer. Veteran interior defender Justin Jones signed a lucrative three-year, $30 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. Jones led all Bears defensive tackles in sacks last season with 4.5 quarterback takedowns.
The Bears did not replace Jones through free agency or the draft. They didn't utilize any of their modest five draft picks on interior defenders, instead focused on improving the offense by drafting Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze. Randolph Jr. was one of just two undrafted signings at the position. The lone free agency signing was veteran journeyman Byron Cowart, who joined the defense via a one-year, $1.125 million contract.
Poles was not a major player in free agency despite an obvious need. The Bears will instead rely on sophomore development from two defensive tackles that struggled as rookies. Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens are expected to play significantly more snaps in 2024 than they did in 2023. Dexter Sr. had an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 50.9 (36.2 run defense) last season, and Pickens earned a score of 54.9 (44.1 versus the run).
The Bears are going to give Dexter Sr. and Pickens every opportunity to showcase development this season, but they should have to earn playing time after last year's performances. Randolph Jr., who recorded 159 tackles, 23 for a loss, 10.0 sacks, and six pass breakups, across five successful campaigns at Illinois, could play himself into a rotational role. Randolph Jr. possesses outstanding power at the point of attack as a well-balanced player versus the pass and run, a trait that should be displayed throughout training camp and the preseason.
Illinois’ Keith Randolph Jr. with a nice push-pull-swim at the Senior Bowl today. Rising IDL prospect. pic.twitter.com/8d68PJfJN1
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) January 30, 2024
Randolph Jr. was a high-profile UDFA signing who received sizable guaranteed money from Poles and the Bears. Furthermore, he’s joining a position room that lacks proven talent. Randolph Jr. possesses an excellent opportunity to make the 53-man roster.
Other Bears undrafted free agents worth monitoring throughout the summer include Canadian offensive linemen Theo Benedet and former Western Kentucky quarterback Austin Reed.
