The Chicago Bears signed rookie WRs for Caleb Williams in June 2025, putting veterans like Tremaine Edmunds on notice. See who's fighting for a roster spot.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
As the Chicago Bears gear up for training camp, General Manager Ryan Poles isn't done tinkering. The team made a splash by signing two undrafted rookie wide receivers, Jahdae Walker and JP Richardson, providing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams with a pair of intriguing new weapons. The move signals an ongoing effort to maximize offensive firepower and underscores a larger theme for the 2025 season: perform or be replaced.
Five key Bears players, including linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, are entering make-or-break seasons.
Just ahead of camp, the Bears added two promising undrafted free agent receivers to the mix. Jahdae Walker, out of Texas A&M, brings a solid production history with 103 collegiate receptions for 1,269 yards and 5 touchdowns. Meanwhile, TCU's JP Richardson offers versatility as both a receiver and a skilled punt returner, having logged 23 returns for 252 yards and a touchdown. Head Coach Ben Johnson now has more pieces to diversify his playbook for Caleb Williams, while Special Teams Coach Richard Hightower praised the duo's potential to immediately upgrade the return game and flip field position.
The arrival of new talent intensifies the spotlight on several veterans facing pivotal seasons. A recent team report identified five players under immense pressure to perform in 2025: linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, running back Roschon Johnson, safety Jaquan Brisker, and defensive end Dominique Robinson. With GM Ryan Poles and Coach Ben Johnson actively shaping the roster around their franchise quarterback, the performance of these players this year will likely determine their long-term future in Chicago. The front office is building a culture of accountability, and no roster spot is guaranteed.
This internal pressure cooker is set against the backdrop of a brutal 2025 schedule. The NFL handed the Bears the league's second-toughest slate of games following their 5-12 finish last season. The team will be tested early and often under the bright lights, with multiple primetime appearances scheduled. Key matchups include a Week 1 Monday Night Football showdown with the rival Minnesota Vikings, another MNF game in Week 6 at Washington, and a nationally televised Black Friday contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. These high-stakes games will be the ultimate test for a team in transition.
While the focus remains on the field, the Bears are also giving fans a look at the personalities of their new draft class. In a recent interview, No. 62 overall pick Shemar Turner shared insights into his life off the field and his hobbies. It's a lighthearted part of the offseason content strategy, designed to connect the new faces with the fanbase before the intensity of training camp begins.
With training camp just around the corner, the message from the front office is clear: competition is paramount. The addition of new talent and the immense pressure on established veterans sets the stage for a compelling preseason. All eyes will be on how this reshaped roster, led by Caleb Williams, gels together to face one of the league's toughest schedules. The proving ground awaits.
