Chicago Bears undrafted free agent earns insider vote of confidence

Undrafted free agents will always have an uphill battle making the final 53-man roster. However, just because a player wasn’t selected in the draft doesn’t mean they don’t have talent. As soon as the 2025 draft ended, the Chicago Bears scoured to market to find any UDFA they saw as a solid fit.

Chicago has found success with numerous undrafted free agents in the past. Most recently, linebacker Jack Sanborn was able to carve out a starting role. The UDFAs won’t be counted on to make an immediate impact. But if they develop into an impact player, then the franchise has found themselves a true diamond in the rough.

The Bears went heavy offense early in the 2025 NFL Draft. But they know they needed some extra help on defense. Of all their UDFA signings, Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic thinks safety Major Burns has the likeliest chance of making an impact in Chicago.

“A jumbo safety, Burns (6-2, 207 pounds) lacks top-end speed but has enough burst and strength to be a factor,” Baumgardner wrote. “He played all over the field for LSU, taking reps as a box safety, free safety, slot corner and even as an edge rusher.”

Major Burns gives Chicago Bears extra safety protection 

The Bears already have their starting safeties in place with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. However, both are set to be free agents after the 2025 season. Furthermore, Byard is entering his age-32 campaign while Brisker played in just five games in 2024 due to a concussion. All of this to say, Chicago needs to consider their future at safety sooner rather than later.

Burns is hoping to prove that he deserves to be apart of the mix, even as a UDFA. The safety spent one year at Georgia and four at LSU, appearing in 45 total games. Burns racked up 208 tackles, nine passes defended and two interceptions.

There wasn’t any major buzz surrounding the safety entering the draft. He wasn’t invited to the combine and he didn’t find himself on many big boards. However, Burns was one of the first players the Bears signed once the draft ended. Clearly they were high enough on him to give him a chance.

And with a clear need at safety, Burns does have intangibles that should play well in Chicago. He’ll need firm development, but it’s not like the Bears are counting on Burns to start immediate. Overall, the safety is a lottery ticket for Chicago that could pay out handsomely.

With Ben Johnson stepping in as head coach, he is looking to wipe the slate clean on the entire roster. That gives Burns a stronger chance of making the team. Johnson brought him in specifically to play on Dennis Allen’s defense. He must see the safety as a strong fit.

Ultimately though, Burns will need to prove himself in training camp. There won’t much much expectations on him, but at the same time, if he doesn’t stand out he won’t make the roster. Still, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Chicago keep at least one UDFA. Burns might be the most likely option when the final 53-man roster is released.