The NFL free agency period begins on March 11, and there’s already been plenty of action in deals being agreed upon before they’re able to officially sign on the dotted line.
Ahead of the free agency period, one of the most buzzed-about teams has been the Chicago Bears. Ben Johnson led the team to a No. 1 standing in the NFC North during the 2025-26 season, and he’s more determined than ever to get them over the finish line in his second year as head coach of the team.
In a Friday, March 6, feature for Fox Sports, Greg Auman, Ben Arthur, Henry McKenna, Eric Williams and Ralph Vacchiano discuss the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers situations and look at the available free agents. They see cornerback Nahshon Wright going from the Bears to the Packers.
So, they’re thinking Johnson won’t pay Wright what he’s worth in free agency and, instead, let him walk.
“Not only do the Packers need help at cornerback, but they will also have tremendous insights on Wright, who played for the division-rival Bears,” they note. “It’s great to get a good player at a position of need. It’s better when you can steal that player from a team you’ll play two times a year.”
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They also project the Bears will pick up defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga of the New England Patriots. “The Patriots quietly unlocked a side to Tonga that few knew existed,” they note in the piece. “And it’s something that a team like the Bears should try to build upon.”
In a Feb. 21 feature, Matt Legros of Patriots Wire states, “Tonga helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl in 2026. New England lost to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13.” He adds, “Despite the loss, Tonga was a valued contributor for New England in 2025. He recorded two batted passes, in addition to 14 total pressures in the regular season. Tonga proceeded to collect his first sack of the year in the playoffs.”
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According to Spotrac research, Tonga’s market value will be $3.1 million annually in free agency. That showing ranks at No. 521 in the NFL during the offseason.
