Keith Randolph Jr., one of the Chicago Bears’ undrafted rookie free agents for 2024, is receiving a sizable guarantee of salary.
The former Illinois defensive tackle will get a three-year undrafted rookie deal and $220,000 in guaranteed money from the Bears, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. In addition to a $20,000 signing bonus, Randolph’s base salary with the organisation is guaranteed at $200,000 as well.
Over the previous three seasons, Randolph started 29 games at defensive lineman for the Illini. In 2022, he had his greatest year, recording 4.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and an interception. At 6 feet 3 inches and 296 pounds, he is a respectable size for the interior and possesses good run-stopping ability, but not having the quick-twitch talents necessary to be successful in the pass rush.
Among this year’s class of undrafted rookie signings, Randolph may have the best chance of making the team, even though his guaranteed money does not guarantee him a seat on the Bears’ 53-man roster for the 2024 campaign. Gervon Dexter Sr., Andrew Billings, and Zacch Pickens are the three defensive line interior locks for the Bears, but the fourth spot in the rotation is still up for grabs going into overtimes next month.
In addition, practice squad holdover Michael Dwumfour in his second season and veteran Byron Cowart (2024 free agent signing) are all vying for spots in the rotation for the Bears.
The Bears have not yet disclosed their UDFA signings for the 2024 offseason as of this morning, March 29. To accomplish so, though, took them six days following the draft of the previous year.
Randolph had been a target for the Bears during the pre-draft phase. He disclosed to The Draft Network that, after the 2024 NFL Combine in early March, he had a Zoom meeting with the organisation. As a player from an in-state school, the Belleville, Illinois native also went to Chicago’s local pro day, negating the necessity for a top 30 visit.
Randolph was supposed to leave the board on Day 3 prior to the draft. Compared to the other tackles in the class, he was less athletic and had more room to develop, but throughout his time at Illinois, he established himself as a reliable tackler with respectable upside. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com predicted that he might be selected in the sixth or seventh round.
If the Bears had moved back and gained more late-round picks, it’s plausible they would have taken Randolph in that area. Rather, they are able to finance Randolph’s potential without using up a draft pick.
In the last two offseasons, Chicago has discovered at least one roster-worthy undrafted free agent (quarterback Tyson Bagent in 2023; middle linebacker Jack Sanborn in 2022). Maybe Randolph can continue their successful run of UDFA alumni.
Out of all the undrafted rookies the Bears are signing, Randolph is the one with the most guaranteed salary (per available reports), but he is not the only one receiving a substantial compensation.
Wilson reports that the Bears have signed offensive tackle Theo Benedet of the University of British Columbia as a UDFA, guaranteeing him $100,000. He will be guaranteed $80,000 of his salary in addition to a $20,000 signing bonus.
Similar to Randolph, Benedet’s assurances do not guarantee a spot on the roster or practice squad in 2024; nonetheless, he is another fascinating player who may challenge for a depth berth with the team in the upcoming campaign. Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, the Bears’ starting tackles, are back, and they added Matt Pyror in free agency and Kiran Amegadjie, a third-round pick, to the draft. However, Larry Borom’s mounting cap hit may force him out of the starting lineup, making room for Benedet to compete.
For Heavy.com, sports reporter Jordan J. Wilson covers the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Cubs. He has previously covered sports at every level, from high school to professional, for a range of media, such as The News-Gazette, The Indianapolis Star, Springfield State-Journal Register, and Peoria Journal Star. Additional information regarding Jordan J. Wilson
