Auburn's Mason Murphy lands free agent deal with Chicago Bears

The 2026 NFL Draft may be over, but several Auburn Tigers will still get the chance to chase their dreams of playing football at the professional level.

Mason Murphy is the latest Tiger to sign a deal with an NFL franchise, landing an undrafted free agent deal with the Chicago Bears. Murphy's signing ensures that most of Auburn's starting offensive line from the 2025 season has signed an NFL deal. Izavion Miller and Dillon Wade join Murphy in inking free agent deals, while Connor Lew and Jeremiah Wright were selected on Day 3 of the NFL draft. Xavier Chaplin recently transferred to Florida State, and Kail Ellis is set to return to Auburn for the 2026 season.

Murphy started all 12 games for Auburn last season, with three starts at center in the wake of Connor Lew's ACL injury. He appeared in 813 snaps, where he allowed 10 sacks and 32 total quarterback pressures, with four penalties produced. His protection instincts improved with his move from right tackle to center, as he gave up just seven pressures and zero sacks over Auburn's final three games.

It is unclear which position group Murphy will work out with in Chicago; however, he will have plenty of guidance with , an eight-year NFL veteran, at center, and a pair of tackles in Jedrick Willis Jr and , who have 11 years of combined NFL experience, leading the way.