Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Why didn't the Bears get any compensatory draft picks this year?
Paul R.
Schaumburg, Illinois
The NFL awards compensatory draft picks to teams that lost more or better unrestricted free agents than they signed the previous year. The comp picks are determined by a formula based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. The Bears did not receive any picks this year because they signed the same number of unrestricted free agents (Andy Dalton, Angelo Blackson and Jeremiah Attaochu) as they lost (Mitchell Trubisky, Roy Robertson-Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson) last year.
Which free agents have left the Bears to sign with other teams?
Bryan K.
Illinois
Eight Bears free agents found new homes in the first two days of free agency: Guard James Daniels (Steelers), running back Damien Williams (Falcons), receiver Allen Robinson II (Rams), tackle Elijah Wilkinson (Falcons), receiver/return specialist Jakeem Grant Sr. (Browns), defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (Raiders), cornerback Artie Burns (Seahawks) and punter Pat O'Donnell (Packers).
With Pat O'Donnell leaving the Bears for the rival Packers, who is now the longest tenured player on the Bears roster?
David K.
Valparaiso, Indiana
With punter Pat O'Donnell's departure, the longest tenured Bears player currently under contract is offensive lineman Cody Whitehair. A 2016 second-round pick from Kansas State, Whitehair has started 95 out of a possible 97 games in six seasons with the Bears. (The two contests he missed came in 2020 due to a calf injury.)
Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.
