The Chicago Bears signed undrafted free agent guard Caden Barnett from Wyoming, known for his versatility and athleticism. He received a $277,500 contract with a $30,000 signing bonus, making him a notable addition to the team.
Key points
Caden Barnett signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent.
He played at Wyoming, excelling as both a right tackle and right guard.
Barnett's contract is worth $277,500 with a $30,000 signing bonus.
He is known for his athleticism and aggressive playing style.
Barnett has a good chance to make the Bears' 53-man roster.
Mentioned in this story
Wyoming
Caden BarnettChicago Bears
What draft experts said about new Bears UDFA guard Caden Barnett
The Chicago Bears welcomed seven new rookies through the 2026 NFL Draft, but they didn't stop there, signing a handful of undrafted rookies who didn't hear their names called during the draft. Chicago's biggest UDFA signing was Wyoming guard Caden Barnett.
Barnett, also known as the Vanilla Gorilla, brings a nastiness to the offensive trenches and has the athleticism that Ben Johnson, Ryan Poles and the Bears have coveted this offseason. Barnett also brings versatility to the table, having played both right tackle and right guard during his time at Wyoming.
Barnett has a great chance to make the 53-man roster, and his contract speaks for itself. The Bears signed Barnett to a $277,500 deal and a $30,000 signing bonus. Only five UDFA signings received more guaranteed money in their contracts. He's certainly someone to watch this summer.
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Logan Jones
Q&A
What is Caden Barnett's background as a football player?
Caden Barnett played at Wyoming, where he showcased his versatility by playing both right tackle and right guard.
How much is Caden Barnett's contract with the Chicago Bears?
Caden Barnett signed a contract worth $277,500, which includes a $30,000 signing bonus.
What makes Caden Barnett a valuable addition to the Bears?
Barnett is valued for his athleticism, versatility, and aggressive playing style, which aligns with the Bears' needs in the offensive line.
What are the chances of Caden Barnett making the Bears' 53-man roster?
Caden Barnett has a strong chance to make the 53-man roster due to his performance potential and the guaranteed money in his contract.
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"A three-year starter at Wyoming, Barnett lined up at right guard in offensive coordinator Jovon Bouknight’s zone-heavy scheme. Having played in all 48 games the past four seasons, he was a durable presence for the Cowboys’ offense, starting his sophomore and junior years at right tackle before moving inside to right guard as a senior. Denver Broncos offensive tackle Frank Crum was his mentor at Wyoming.
Barnett has a very solid foundation for teams to work with in the NFL. He offers functional size and length, with the raw strength to move bodies in the run game and the athleticism to execute different types of blocks. I want to see him consistently play up to his athleticism and length, but he has it in him. His mauling mentality and pro mindset (on and off the field) will help separate him in an NFL camp."
"Barnett is a three-year starter with NFL-caliber measurables and slightly above-average athletic testing. He’s rarely cheated when he lands on contact cleanly, but he needs to improve his balance and footwork when fitting up his blocks. He appears best suited for inside-zone and gap-scheme assignments but has plenty of experience in wide zone. Barnett’s grip strength works in his favor in pass protection but he will struggle to stay mirrored to NFL rushers who attack edge to edge. While he checks some of the boxes needed to compete for a roster spot, Barnett will need to extend his aggression through the whistle as a block finisher at the next level."
"Barnett, a three-year starter at Wyoming, did his best work in zone-running concepts, ranking in the 52nd percentile in PFF rushing grade on such carries since 2023. His pass protection remains a concern, as he allowed 10 sacks over that span, which could limit his role at the next level."
"Caden Barnett is a well-built, long guard prospect with a powerful, explosive play style and a clear mean streak. He fires off the ball with urgency and looks to win immediately with a combination of burst and raw strength. While he's not an especially twitchy or sudden mover laterally, he's a plus overall athlete whose explosiveness shows up when working downhill or building momentum through contact.
In the run game, Barnett is a tone-setter who wins with power, leg drive, and physicality at the point of attack. He consistently plays with good pad level and knee bend, and once he squares up defenders, the rep is typically over due to his grip strength and lower-body force. He's effective on pulls and climbing to the second level, where his explosiveness allows him to arrive with impact, and he's reasonably accurate in space. While he can be overly reliant on early wins and would benefit from a more patient, controlled approach, his aggressive demeanor defines his success.
In pass protection, Barnett leans on his strength and anchor to hold up against interior rushers. He prefers to quick set and initiate contact early, which fits his mentality but can lead to issues when defenders counter or soften his edge. His hand usage is solid but could be more consistent in terms of early, extended punches to better control reps. He doesn't have elite recovery quickness, so when initially beaten, it can be difficult for him to reset. Overall, Barnett projects as a starting-caliber, mauling guard with Day 2–Day 3 value whose physicality and explosiveness can anchor a power-based interior."