Chicago Bears' new free-agent class brings big goals and humor

Thursday's newcomer introductions at Halas Hall came with a balance of ambition and levity for a retooling Bears team.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:05am

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The Chicago Bears introduced five new free-agent signings on Thursday, including defensive tackle Neville Gallimore, safety Coby Bryant, linebacker Devin Bush, receiver Kalif Raymond, and offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. The players shared stories about their football journeys, personalities, and goals for the upcoming season, providing a glimpse into the team's retooling efforts.

Why it matters

The Bears are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season, and these new free-agent additions are expected to play key roles in helping the team improve. Their introductions offered insight into the team's culture and the types of players they are bringing in to help turn things around.

The details

Neville Gallimore shared his childhood dream of being a quarterback like David Garrard, before realizing his true calling was on the defensive line. Coby Bryant is eager to continue developing his leadership skills and work with defensive backs coach Al Harris. Devin Bush said he has no hobbies outside of football. Kalif Raymond, the veteran of the group, arrived at Halas Hall wearing a White Sox cap, which drew some disapproving looks from Bears fans before he was given a more appropriate hat. Garrett Bradbury, acquired in a trade from the Patriots, was shocked by the move but is excited to be in Chicago, where his wife is from.

  • On Monday, Devin Bush had no idea where his football future would be.
  • On Thursday, Bush was introduced as a new Bears free-agent signing.

The players

Neville Gallimore

A 6-foot-2, 307-pound defensive tackle who the Bears signed this week to bolster their run defense. Gallimore grew up in Jamaica and Canada, and initially dreamed of being a quarterback like David Garrard before realizing his true calling was on the defensive line.

Coby Bryant

A safety who is eager to continue developing his leadership skills and work with defensive backs coach Al Harris, whose track record of elevating his players' interception totals is well documented.

Devin Bush

A linebacker who said he has no hobbies outside of football, as "all I do is football."

Kalif Raymond

A 32-year-old receiver and punt returner who is approaching his 11th NFL season with his seventh team. Raymond is a devoted student of football history and felt like he had entered a bit of a football museum when he arrived at Halas Hall.

Jedrick Wills Jr.

An offensive tackle who was one of the five new Bears free-agent signings introduced on Thursday.

Garrett Bradbury

A center who was recently traded from the New England Patriots to the Bears, a move that came as a "shock to the system" but one he is excited about as his wife is originally from Naperville, Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“All I do is football.”

— Devin Bush, Linebacker

“I couldn't stop smiling.”

— Coby Bryant, Safety

“Apparently, you've got to pick one side or the other. So I was like, 'Look, does anybody have any other hat out here? Because I need a little bit of help.' And they brought this one out.”

— Kalif Raymond, Wide Receiver

“You want to be where you're wanted. And clearly, Chicago wanted me more than New England did.”

— Garrett Bradbury, Center

“Playing together, being on the same page, having fun.”

— Coby Bryant, Safety

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This introductory press conference for the Bears' new free-agent class highlighted the team's efforts to build a culture of camaraderie, ambition, and a bit of levity as they look to rebound from a disappointing season. The personalities and stories of these new players suggest the Bears are bringing in the right mix of talent and character to help turn things around.