An undrafted free agent is a true lottery pick. While they may be brimming with potential, the prospect went undrafted for a reason. Still, the Chicago Bears, like every team in the NFL, is hoping to find a diamond in the rough who can help shape their franchise.
The Bears have found major success with UDFAs in the past. More recently, fans will remember Jack Sanborn and his 48-game run with the team. If Chicago can find a starter after the draft is over, it’ll be a true testament to their scouting department. Furthermore, it’ll give the Bears some much needed depth at potentially key positions.
Following the 2025 NFL Draft, wide receiver is no longer a pressing need in Chicago. However, new head coach Ben Johnson is still surely looking for playmakers to round out his roster. When the preseason rolls around, Kevin Fishbain of the Athletic expects JP Richardson to lead the team in receptions and push for a spot on the roster.
“Richardson’s pro day times reflect someone with good short-area quickness, and the return experience should help him show the Bears some versatility,” Fishbain wrote. “Early prediction: Richardson leads the team in preseason receptions.
“Take a look at the Bears’ depth chart at receiver,” Fishbain continues. “The top four are set, five if Devin Duvernay is the returner, and then it’s Tyler Scott, Miles Boykin, John Jackson, Samori Toure and Maurice Alexander. An undrafted rookie could find his way onto the roster if the Bears keep six, or if Richardson shows something as a punt returner.”
How JP Richardson can make Chicago Bears final roster
With DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden already on the roster, it’ll be difficult for Richardson to make a true offensive impact; especially as an UDFA. But as Fishbain points out, Chicago’s depth behind that trio is a bit weak. As Johnson and company look to wipe the slate clean, Richardson could make a strong impression and force himself onto the head coach’s first roster with the Bears.
The wide receiver spent his first two seasons and Oklahoma State before transferring to TCU for his final two. Overall, Richardson caught 175 passes for 1,940 yards and 11 touchdowns. As a senior, he set new career-highs in both receptions (57) and receiving yards (733).
Furthermore, Richardson took on a much greater role as a return man. He returned a Big 12-leading 23 punts for 252 yards and a touchdown. Averaging 11 yards per return, Richardson was named an Honorable Mention All Big-12 as a returner.
The Bears will surely want to see what Richardson offers the offense. They want their wide receiver room stocked with ample talent and Richardson had proven he can move the chains. However, with DeAndre Carter leaving for the Cleveland Browns, the Bears have an opening on special teams. Veteran signee Devin Duvernay is expected to handle the bulk of the work, but perhaps a strong training camp could put Richardson in the mix.
Leading the Bears in preseason receptions would certainly put Richardson on the map. Especially if Chicago’s fellow depth options continue to struggle, the undrafted free agent has a path to a spot on the final 53-man roster.
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