The Chicago Bears signed six of the NFL's top undrafted free agents following the 2026 NFL Draft, including standout guard Caden Barnett from Wyoming. Barnett, known as the Vanilla Gorilla, is a 6-foot-5, 320-pound prospect with starter potential.
Key points
Chicago Bears signed six top undrafted free agents
Caden Barnett is the top undrafted rookie from Wyoming
Barnett is 6-foot-5 and weighs 320 pounds
He played as a three-year starter at Wyoming
Barnett has potential to become an NFL starter
Mentioned in this story
Wyoming
Caden BarnettChicago Bears
Bears signed 6 of NFL's top undrafted free agents
The Chicago Bears welcomed a new seven-player rookie class to the roster during the 2026 NFL Draft, but they also welcomed some new undrafted rookies, as well, including some of the top prospects available.
NFL.com's Chad Reuter revealed his top undrafted rookies following the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Bears managed to land six on his list.
Chicago's top undrafted rookie free agent was Wyoming guard Caden Barnett, who was Reuter's second best interior lineman. Barnett, who goes by the Vanilla Gorilla, is a monster at 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, and he has the potential to become a starter in the NFL. He was a three-year starter at Wyoming, where he played right tackle for two years before kicking inside to right guard.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Logan Jones
Q&A
Who are the top undrafted free agents signed by the Chicago Bears?
The Chicago Bears signed six top undrafted free agents, including Caden Barnett, a guard from Wyoming.
What position does Caden Barnett play and what are his physical stats?
Caden Barnett plays as a guard and stands 6-foot-5, weighing 320 pounds.
Why was Caden Barnett considered a top undrafted rookie?
Caden Barnett was ranked as the second best interior lineman by NFL.com's Chad Reuter, showcasing his potential as a starter in the NFL.
What is the significance of signing undrafted free agents for NFL teams?
Signing undrafted free agents allows NFL teams to acquire talented players who may have been overlooked, potentially strengthening their roster without the cost of draft picks.
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2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Sam Roush
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Zavion Thomas
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select CB Malik Muhammad
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Keyshaun Elliott
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Jordan van den Berg
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Chicago Bears' 2026 rookie draft class
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
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Chicago Bears' 2026 rookie draft class
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
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Chicago Bears' 2026 rookie draft class
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Logan Jones
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Chicago Bears' 2026 rookie draft class
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Sam Roush
4 / 7
Chicago Bears' 2026 rookie draft class
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Zavion Thomas
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Chicago Bears' 2026 rookie draft class
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select CB Malik Muhammad
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Chicago Bears' 2026 rookie draft class
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Keyshaun Elliott
7 / 7
Chicago Bears' 2026 rookie draft class
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Jordan van den Berg
Other players who made Reuter's list of top UDFAs includes Oregon State safety Skyler Thomas (S3), Utah guard Jaren Kump (iOL9), Louisville quarterback Miller Moss (QB10) -- who was Caleb Williams' former USC teammate -- Wake Forest defensive tackle Jayden Loving (DT12) and Georgia long snapper Beau Gardner (ST12).
The Bears have had success with undrafted rookies in the past, including most recently quarterback Tyson Bagent, who signed a two-year, $10 million extension last offseason to serve as Williams' backup, and wide receiver Jahdae Walker, who caught a last-second touchdown against the Green Bay Packers to force overtime in an eventual Week 16 win last season. Chicago also found linebacker Jack Sanborn, who returned to the team this offseason, and offensive tackle Theo Benedet in the undrafted rookie free agent pool in recent years.
