Thanks to the Bryce Young blockbuster, the Bears owned the No. 1 selection in last year’s draft. As expected, general manager Ryan Poles and Co. used that as an opportunity to move on from Justin Fields and reset at the quarterback spot. 2024 marked the beginning of the Caleb Williams era.
The ensuing campaign was littered with missteps on the part of Matt Eberflus’ coaching staff, however, and notable sideline changes transpired at multiple points. Finding a coach capable of maximizing Williams’ potential was a central priority entering the offseason, and the Bears managed to land the top candidate on the market. Poles has since received a new commitment to continue overseeing the rebuild he took on in 2022. The progress of that effort will be measured largely by how this campaign plays out.
Coaching/Front Office:
Over the course of his three seasons as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, Johnson established himself as one of the top offensive minds in the NFL. That led to widespread interest over multiple years and the expectation a jump to a head coaching gig would come relatively soon. Going deep into the hiring process in 2024, Johnson instead chose to remain in place for another year. 
As expected, the Lions were again one of league’s most balanced and productive offenses. Johnson’s unit led the NFL in scoring while ranking top six in both rushing and passing yardage. The timing and frequency of Detroit’s many trick plays drew criticism on more than one occasion – including the Lions’ upset loss in the divisional round of the playoffs. Still, Johnson emerged as the top prize during the 2025 hiring cycle.
The 39-year-old interviewed with the Jaguars, Raiders and Patriots prior to his Bears hire. Johnson’s meetings with Chicago obviously drew interest leading up to his decision to head to the Windy City but they were also part of a very wide-ranging search. The team was connected to a number of high-profile pro and college coaches, including an unsuccessful attempt to speak with (and potentially trade for) Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. The Chicago opening was of interest to Bill Belichick, but no interview took place with the now-North Carolina staffer.
The Bears did speak with previous (and, in two cases, active) NFL HCs in the form of Pete Carroll, Mike Vrabel, Mike McCarthy and Ron Rivera during their search process. Brown also received one interview for the full-time gig before ultimately joining the Patriots. In the end, Johnson received a deal averaging a reported $13MM per year – more than double Eberflus’ rate as a fellow first-time head coach when he was hired – to lead the way for Williams and Co. In 2025 and beyond, he will be counted on to provide stability on the sidelines and maximize the former Heisman winner’s potential.
At the time of Johnson’s hire, Poles had two years remaining on his pact. Having been brought in only two days before Eberflus, he was a far more central figure in the search process which brought in Johnson. A February report indicated Poles was expected to receive a new deal, and he is indeed now aligned with Johnson from a contract perspective.
The Eberflus era failed to produce any winning seasons, but in his three years at the helm Poles has succeeded in turning over much of the roster and cleaning up the team’s finances. A largely young core is in place for years to come and Chicago’s offense in particular has a notable amount of potential moving forward. Of course, moves like the ill-fated Chase Claypool trade illustrate the downside of Poles’ GM run.
A lack of emphasis along both sides of the line of scrimmage also proved costly in 2024. Before finding out how this year’s moves fare in term of rectifying the situation, though, Chicago’s front office authorized a new Poles commitment. President and CEO Kevin Warren outranks Poles in the current power structure, something which can be expected to continue for the foreseeable future. If this sign of confidence – premature, some would argue – proves to be fruitful, though, a high degree of stability at all levels of the organization will be possible over a lengthy tenure. 
Mass turnover is common around the NFL once new head coaches are brought in. Given the nature of Chicago’s staff both before and after the in-season dismissals made in 2024, it came as no surprise that was the case in this situation. Shortly after being installed, Johnson made it clear there would be new faces in several positions on his staff.
Beatty is among them, although he will not call plays. The former Saints assistant spent the past two years coaching the Broncos’ tight ends, and he could find himself regularly working with that position group in his new gig as well. In any case, Beatty’s time in New Orleans makes him a familiar face for Allen, who will provide the Bears with an ex-NFL head coach during Johnson’s first year in that role.
After his run in charge of the Raiders ended, Allen spent nearly seven full seasons leading the Saints’ defense. The 52-year-old was promoted to head coach after Sean Payton’s 2022 departure, but he was unable to lead the team to the playoffs. Improvement from seven to nine wins across his first two years suggested Allen could enjoy continued progression in 2024. Midway through an injury-plagued campaign, however, the Saints sat at 2-7 and Allen was dismissed.
A third opportunity as an NFL head coach does not seem plausible at this point for Allen. Still, expectations will be high for his unit. From 2020-23, the Saints ranked between fourth and ninth in points allowed with a top-seven finish in total defense during three of those years. Especially if Allen can help oversee an improvement against the run, his hire will prove to be worthwhile.
Randle El worked together with Johnson in Detroit; in addition to his new title he will maintain his familiar role as receivers coach. A key element of the Bears’ success on offense will be the development of the team’s wideouts not named D.J. Moore, so that unit will be worth watching closely. Barrett is another member of the staff who followed Johnson from Detroit to Chicago.
Just as the Bears have head coaching experience at one coordinator spot, they will also have ex-coordinators serving as position coaches in 2025. Bieniemy spent 2024 in the college ranks, but a mutual decision was made to part ways with UCLA after the campaign. A return to the NFL was sought as a result, although the former Chiefs offensive coordinator’s stock was in a worse spot than it was when he took charge of the Commanders’ offense for one year.
Nevertheless, Bieniemy met with the Patriots about their OC gig before it went (for the third time) to Josh McDaniels. In the end, the 55-year-old joined the Bears in a move which will see him oversee a unit in need of improved production in 2025. D’Andre Swift averaged a career-worst 3.8 yards per carry during his debut Chicago campaign; increasing that figure and/or establishing a strong backfield tandem could help the team’s offense but also increase Bieniemy’s chances at another play-calling gig in the NFL.
Last offseason, the Jaguars cleaned house on the defensive side of Doug Pederson’s coaching staff. The offense remained largely intact, and Taylor maintained his role calling plays for Jacksonville last season. That arrangement drew scrutiny from then-general manager Trent Baalke and carried into the campaign as a source of tension between the two. Taylor joined Pederson in departing Duval County following the season, and Baalke did the same after it appeared he would be safe. 
Taylor (along with Pederson) was unable to help quarterback Trevor Lawrence meet the expectations associated with his draft pedigree and $55MM-per-year extension. It would thus come as a surprise if Zac Taylor’s brother were to receive another coordinator opportunity – or at least one with play-calling responsibilities – in the near future. This Bears stint could also result in a rebound in terms of coaching stock, though.
The Colts’ day-to-day operations (among other things, of course) were greatly impacted by owner Jim Irsay’s passing this offseason. The situation was different in the Bears’ case, as McCaskey’s son George has chaired the team’s board of governors since 2011. Nevertheless, Virginia McCaskey’s death means the coming season will be the first since 1982 without her in place atop the ownership group.
The McCaskey family still has an 80% stake in the franchise, and that will not change any time soon. The Bears could, however, sell off the non-controlling share which belonged to the late Andrew McKenna Sr. at some point in the future. A number of teams around the league have taken the private equity route for an influx of cash, and Chicago could be among them.
Trades:
Prior to free agency, it became clear upgrading the interior of the offensive line was a major Bears priority. Familiarity played in a role in both cases with respect to targeting new guards, of course. Ben Johnson previously worked alongside Jackson in Detroit and Ryan Poles was a member of the Chiefs’ front office in 2021 when Thuney signed with Kansas City in free agency that year.
During his four years in Detroit, Jackson operated as a full-time starter. The former third-rounder managed to play double-digit games every year, but that was not the case upon arrival with the Rams in 2024. Jackson dealt with a shoulder injury during his debut Los Angeles campaign, and the ailment caused him to miss time during the middle of the season. Upon returning to full health, though, he only played another two games; Jackson finished the year as a backup after a brief trial period at center.
Even though the Rams signed him to a three-year, $51MM pact last spring, it came as little surprise when they allowed Jackson to seek a trade. The Bears swap took place prior to March 12, which was key based on the timing of an $8.5MM roster bonus in 2025. Chicago took on the remaining money on the Ohio State product’s pact and then added another year via an extension. Jackson received $7MM in a new, full guarantee for 2026 with another $5.25MM guaranteed for injury.
Expectations will be high during his time in Chicago as a result. Jackson will handle right guard duties on his new team, something which he has not done much of to date in his career. Provided he can provide consistent play at that spot for the coming years, however, the Bears’ decision to reunite him with Johnson will prove to be worthwhile.
At 32, Thuney is four years older than Jackson. He will nevertheless be counted on to an even larger extent to serve as a high-end performer up front. Thuney already had a strong track record upon arrival in Kansas City, but during his tenure with the Chiefs he collected three Pro Bowl nods. In each of the past two seasons, the former Patriot has landed on the All-Pro first team at left guard. Even considering Thuney’s rough ending — as a left tackle fill-in — to his Chiefs tenure, Thuney has been one of the NFL’s best O-linemen this decade. 
Maintaining that level of play will be a key aspect of Chicago’s retooling efforts up front. Thuney has graded out as a top-10 guard in terms of Pro Football Focus grade every year since 2018 and he has missed just two games over that span. The Bears are counting on that remaining the case for a few more years; a two-year extension surfaced in May. As a result of the new deal, Thuney is owed $51MM over the next three years, with the guaranteed money included in that figure to be paid out this season and next.
Just like Jackson, Thuney is on the books through 2027. That duo will be the subject of scrutiny if things do not go according to plan, but if each of its members plays to their potential they – alongside established right tackle Darnell Wright – will help offer stability to a unit where it has been lacking in recent years. Johnson’s ability to bring about improvements to the offense in general will of course depend on the success of Poles’ efforts to provide him with a stronger unit up front than his predecessor had to work with.
Read more
Free agency additions:
- Dayo Odeyingbo, DE. Three years, $48MM ($29.5MM guaranteed)
- Grady Jarrett, DT. Three years, $42.75MM ($27.25MM guaranteed)
- Drew Dalman, C. Three years, $42MM ($26.5MM guaranteed)
- Case Keenum, QB. One year, $2.25MM ($2.16MM guaranteed)
- Durham Smythe, TE. One year, $2.5MM ($1.5MM guaranteed)
- Olamide Zaccheaus, WR. One year, $1.5MM ($750K guaranteed)
- Devin Duvernay, WR. One year, $1.28MM ($168K guaranteed)
- Nick McCloud, CB. One year, $1.32MM ($50K guaranteed)
- Tre Flowers, DB. One year, $1.26MM
- Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE. Signed 7/22
Entering March with plenty of available funds, the Bears were not shy about adding on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Considering the team’s struggles up front and its impact on Caleb Williams’ struggles, along with a poor showing against the run in 2024, making investments in this area represented a sensible approach. Each of the top three additions are set to play out their deals while Williams is attached to his rookie contract.
The Colts have routinely spent big – in terms of draft capital and finances – along the defensive front. General manager Chris Ballard committed to a shift in roster-building this spring, though, so to little surprise Odeyingbo departed on the open market. An Achilles tear suffered shortly before the 2021 draft limited Odeyingbo to 10 games as a rookie. Since then, he has yet to miss a game.
Odeyingbo alternated between defensive tackle and defensive end during his Colts stint as the team looked to utilize his 6-foot-6, 286-pound frame. While taking on an incrementally larger workload each passing year, he totaled 16.5 sacks, 62 QB pressures and 21 tackles for loss in Indianapolis. The former second-rounder will primarily be counted on to operate along the edge with the Bears as a complement to Montez Sweat. If needed, though, Odeyingbo could see time on the interior as well.
Chicago has the cap space to afford further additions amongst the remaining free agents in the pass rush market, but with none expected barring injuries during training camp, the Bears’ incumbent depth options are positioned for a notable role. In particular, Austin Booker will be a name to watch in 2025. Still, Sweat’s ability to produce as one of the foundational members of the team’s defense will be key in determining Chicago’s success. That, in turn, will be influenced greatly by Odeyingbo’s level of play upon arrival. 
Despite Jarrett being the Falcons’ longest-tenured defensive player, his future was uncertain entering the new league year. Atlanta showed interest in moving on via trade, but no deal took place. A cost-shedding release ensued after no agreement could be reached with respect to a pay cut. Jarrett banked on his market being strong enough for a deal from a new team to outpace the value of a reduced Falcons accord; that proved to be a worthwhile approach.
At 32, Jarrett did well to lock in nearly all of his $14.25MM in base pay for the 2026 campaign at signing. This represents a bit of an unusually soft landing for an 10-year veteran, especially one with an ACL tear in the not-so-distant past (October 2023).
The former Falcons Pro Bowler will be tasked with maintaining a high level of through his 11th and 12th NFL seasons as a result, but if he can do so the Bears will see an uptick in production at the D-tackle spot. Gervon Dexter and Andrew Billings are still in place from last year, and 2023 third-rounder Zacch Pickens is in line to reprise a rotational role. The additions of Jarrett (and Odeyingbo, at least to an extent) should nevertheless help a run defense which ranked 28th in 2024.
Having logged a full campaign in five of the past six years, Jarrett’s durability should not be a concern upon arrival in the Windy City. The two-time Pro Bowler has topped 2.5 sacks only once since 2021, meaning he may not serve as a key presence in the pass-rush department. Even so, Jarrett should serve as a welcomed addition as the Bears look to stabilize their defensive front and take a needed step forward in 2025.
A critical part of that effort will of course be the play of Chicago’s renovated offensive line. Having added pair of new guards via trade, the team remained a primary suitor for Dalman. The top center in free agency, he hit the market with the Falcons preferring to promote Ryan Neuzil to a starting role.
Shortly before the negotiating window opened, the Bears were understandably named as a strong candidate to sign Dalman. A three-year starter, Dalman’s missed time in 2024 due to an ankle injury did not lead to difficulty in securing eight figures with respect to AAV on the open market. Other suitors emerged (including the Patriots), but Dalman elected to remain in the NFC while playing out his second contract.
The 26-year-old ranked 14th in terms of PFF grade during the 2022 campaign, his first atop the center depth chart. Dalman has landed in the top four each of the past two years, so he will be expected to remain one of the best (if somewhat unheralded) performers at the position moving forward. Like Jarrett, Dalman already has most of his 2026 compensation locked in before a potential out in advance of the final year of the deal.
Keenum missed all of 2024 while recovering from a foot injury. Now healthy, he will look to survive roster cuts by potentially earning the backup gig. Given his guarantees, Keenum certainly does not possess a contract which is release-proof heading into the summer. Nonetheless, keeping him in place would allow for the more economically feasible release of Tyson Bagent at the end of training camp (presuming only two QBs are carried on the initial 53-man roster, of course).
As a familiar face to Ben Johnson – based on their time together with the Dolphins – Smythe was a logical tight end target after his Miami release. The wideout additions will also provide pass-catching depth, although both Zaccheaus (coming off a career-high 45 receptions) and Duvernay (one of many Jaguars cuts) offer value in the return game in addition to a potential WR3 role.
Re-signings:
- Josh Blackwell, CB. Two years, $5MM ($2.45MM guaranteed)
- Amen Ogbongbemiga, LB. Two years, $5MM ($2.45MM guaranteed)
- Travis Homer, RB. One year, $1.75MM ($1MM guaranteed)
- Scott Daly, LS. One year, $1.38MM ($168K guaranteed)
- Doug Kramer, C. One year, $1.03MM
- Stephen Carlson, TE. One year, $1.03MM
- Chris Williams, DL (RFA tender)
While the Bears will have a number of new starters on offense and defense, their special teams units will largely carry over compared to 2024. Maintaining continuity in the third phase was an obvious goal for Chicago, and expectations will be high in that capacity as a result. Blackwell has yet to carve out a regular role on defense, but over the course of his three seasons with the team he has emerged as a core special teams presence. 
The addition of new returner options in free agency will lessen the chances of Blackwell being able to duplicate his punt-return touchdown from last season (off a trick play), but he will still be counted on as an anchor on coverage and return units. The same is true of Ogbongbemiga, who logged a snap share of 84% on special teams during his debut Bears campaign. The former Charger will give his current team an inexpensive depth option at the linebacker spot while remaining a key figure in every special teams situation.
Homer did not receive any offensive touches in 2023, his first campaign with the Bears. The 26-year-old was slightly more involved last season (75 snaps) but as expected he was again a regular on special teams. That will no doubt continue moving forward in his case and that of Hardy. Defensive back Elijah Hicks has one year remaining on his rookie contract, and he will join the aforementioned third-phase contributors as a central figure in that capacity for at least one more season. Chicago will look for improvements offensively and defensively with a vastly different coaching staff in 2025, but returning ST coordinator Richard Hightower will have a number of familiar faces to work with.
Notable losses:
- Larry Borom, T
- DeAndre Carter, WR
- Byron Cowart, DL
- Jake Curhan, OL
- Darrynton Evans, RB
- Gerald Everett, TE (released)
- Teven Jenkins, G
- Collin Johnson, WR
- Jaylon Jones, CB
- Jacob Martin, DE
- Tarvarius Moore, S (released)
- Matt Pryor, OL
- Jereme Robinson, DE (waived)
- Jack Sanborn, LB
- Coleman Shelton, C
- Darrell Taylor, DE
- DeMarcus Walker, DE (released)
The aggressive pursuit of three new O-line starters foreshadowed numerous departures up front. Jenkins is the most notable of the blockers who left on the open market, although that was not for a lack of effort regarding a new Bears accord.
Since the end of the 2023 campaign, Jenkins’ camp made efforts to work out an extension. No traction was gained, although a second Chicago contract was still a target midway through last season. The former Ryan Pace draftee struggled with injuries and poor play as a rookie tackle, but moving inside produced strong PFF evaluations. With Pace’s successor preferring outside candidates to fill the guard spots (after already moving on from Nate Davis in November), however, Jenkins landed a new opportunity elsewhere.
The 27-year-old checked in at No. 19 on PFR’s Free Agent list and appeared to be positioned to benefit from the recent upward movement in the guard market. Interest came in, but after the Giants balked Jenkins wound up signing only a one-year deal with the Browns. That pact contains just $2.67MM guaranteed, but it could set up a stronger market next spring if he can remain healthy.
Of the four other offensive linemen who left in free agency, Shelton is the one most assured of a starting gig in 2025. After handling first-team center duties during his lone Chicago campaign, the five-year Rams contributor returned to Los Angeles. His two-year deal was worked out not long after another center candidate – Jonah Jackson – was acquired by the Bears. Shelton produced a career-best PFF grade in 2024, ranking 12th amongst centers. That did not lead to an extended stay in the Windy City.
The decision to move on from Walker yielded notable cap savings and ended his two-year Bears stint. The former Bronco, Texan and Titan started 29 of his 35 Chicago games, and in that time he managed seven sacks and 45 pressures. Walker drew interest from a pair of teams prior to the draft, but he has yet to land a deal. The Bears will certainly hope to enjoy stronger production from their replacements along the edge. 
Sanborn, 24, never handled a defensive snap share above 39% during his three Bears seasons, and his workload on that side of the ball was at its lowest last year. Still, departing for the Cowboys created a vacancy at the linebacker spot and especially on special teams. A number of returning third-phase contributors will help provide continuity in that regard, but losing Sanborn could hurt Chicago’s unit while leaving the team without a veteran linebacker contributor.
Everett’s connections to Shane Waldron foreshadowed a release. The latter’s midseason firing helped lead to the former notching just eight scoreless catches during his one-and-done Bears slate. Everett was let go with one year remaining on his pact in a move which allowed for a fresh start on both sides.
Extensions and restructures:
Last offseason, Jaylon Johnson landed a $19MM-per-year deal after receiving the franchise tag. That agreement ensured he will remain an anchor in Chicago’s secondary for years to come and allowed the Bears to turn their attention to a Gordon commitment in 2025.
The Washington product was named multiple times as a target for an extension. As such, it came as no surprise the Bears authorized a second straight big-ticket CB deal. Prior to signing the deal, Gordon noted his versatility as a factor helping his financial value, and Dennis Allen intends to experiment with him in spots other than slot corner. Of course, as the league’s top earner at that niche role, Gordon will be counted on to at least remain a consistent performer along the interior.
The Bears struggled against the run in 2024, but after ranking 16th in passing yards allowed there is certainly room for improvement on the back end as well. Gordon – who has five interceptions to his name but also a track record of less-than-desirable coverage stats stemming from his role – will be a figure to watch as Allen’s unit looks to take a step forward. The 25-year-old has plenty of runway to develop in whichever way(s) he is used given the terms of his new deal. 
General manager Ryan Poles was in place when Gordon was drafted, and he was also responsible for signing Edwards in free agency. Days after one defensive extension, the team finalized the other. Edwards took on a larger defensive workload with each passing season while playing out his rookie deal with the Eagles. His production made him a Chicago target even though the team also brought on Tremaine Edmunds via free agency during the same spring.
Edwards has yet to miss a game during his Bears tenure. The former UDFA has continued to fill the statsheet (294 tackles, 6.5 sacks, four interceptions) with his second team, making it no surprise Poles was willing to avoid a potential 2026 departure. Edmunds has two years left on his pact (although the accord does not include salary guarantees for 2026), so he and Edwards will remain second-level starters moving forward.
The Bears’ third linebacker spot serves as a key question entering the season. Training camp will see several competitors vie for a starting gig, with fourth-round rookie Ruben Hyppolite among the names to watch. Regardless of how that shakes out over the summer, though, Edwards will look to remain a steady contributor. If he can, an AAV tied for 15th at the position will certainly prove to be team-friendly.
Draft:
- Round 1, No. 10: Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 39 (from Panthers): Luther Burden (WR, Missouri) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 56 (from Vikings through Texans and Bills): Ozzy Trapilo (T, Boston College) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 62: Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 132 (from Bills): Ruban Hyppolite (LB, Maryland) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 169 (from Bills)*: Zah Frazier (CB, Texas-San Antonio) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 195 (from Steelers through Rams): Luke Newman (G, Michigan State) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 233 (from Bengals): Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers) (signed)
While pass-catching additions headline the Bears’ rookie class, making a splash at another skill position was the team’s initial target. Leading up to the draft, it became clear Chicago was enamored with running back Ashton Jeanty. That interest came with the caveat that a fall to the No. 10 spot was highly unlikely.
Aside from simply hoping the Heisman runner-up slid that far, the Bears made calls about a move up the top-10 order. Their target in such a maneuver was Jeanty, who enjoyed a stellar junior campaign at Boise State and helped lead the team to the College Football Playoff. With no deal being worked out to make him an eventual D’Andre Swift successor, Jeanty expectedly wound up hearing his name called sixth overall and he will start his career with the Raiders.
With their primary target off the board, the Bears stood pat at No. 10 to take Loveland. That decision came in the wake of trade interest from teams looking to move up for the 2023 national champion. Loveland reportedly overtook fellow first-rounder Tyler Warren as the top tight end in the class shortly before the draft.
While limited to 10 games in 2024, Loveland set new career highs in receptions (56) and touchdowns (five). His yards per catch total dropped considerably compared to his first two years – during which the Wolverines had J.J. McCarthy at quarterback – but that did not stop Loveland (who was medically cleared in time for training camp) from spending the build-up to the draft as a worthwhile offensive target. He will look to give Chicago a new pass-catching option in the middle of the field while working in tandem with veteran Cole Kmet, who is under contract for the next three years. 
Both D.J. Moore and 2024 No. 9 pick Rome Odunze are still in place for the coming season. They will be tasked with handling much of the pass-game load, and the latter could be primed for a Year 2 jump. Even if that takes place, Burden could emerge as a reliable complementary option. As expected, a down year last season resulted in a drop to the second round in his case.
Nevertheless, Burden was among the Round 2 members of the 2025 draft class to receive a fully guaranteed rookie contract. That will elevate expectations as he looks to return to the form shown during his sophomore campaign. Especially if Burden manages to carve out a role in the slot, he should find himself a regular in Chicago’s offense in short order.
Four starting positions on the Bears’ offensive line are accounted for at this point. Only left tackle remains to be sorted out, and head coach Ben Johnson has confirmed an open competition will take place. Trapilo will find himself contesting the LT gig with returnees Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie during training camp. Jones should have the edge based on his experience, but the door is open to Trapilo earning the Week 1 nod with his summer performances. Jones is also in a contract year, putting Trapilo — in the event he cannot unseat the incumbent this summer — in line for a 2026 first-string role.
At a minimum, a swing tackle role could be in store in his case for 2025. Likewise, Turner should be able to handle a backup gig along the defensive interior as a rookie. A path to a first-team spot could open once Chicago’s more established D-tackles depart or see a reduced workload in the coming years.
Other:
In their 105 seasons to date, the Bears have yet to produce a 4,000-yard passer. That fact was well known to Williams and his father Carl leading up to the 2024 draft. Williams’ camp explored a number of options in a bid to avoid winding up in Chicago, with thought being given to playing outside the NFL for one season and thus avoiding the draft altogether. Such a move was avoided, but not before a desire emerged on Williams’ part to work alongside Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The 2024 season saw O’Connell earn Coach of the Year honors after his surprising success with Sam Darnold under center. A pairing with Williams certainly would have been intriguing given the pieces in place for Minnesota, but it became clear relatively quickly Chicago would not consider trading the top pick. With Williams set to begin his career in the Windy City, he has since doubled down on his commitment to the Bears in light of his initial thoughts going public.
Three years remain on the Oklahoma and USC product’s rookie contract, and a fifth-year option could be coupled with a long-term extension if things go as planned. Questions about wariness on Williams’ part regarding the Bears are largely a moot point after the fact; still, they could of course be mentioned if he does not develop into the franchise passer he was drafted to be.
Allen turned aside efforts from the new Chargers regime to work out a pay cut in 2024. That was an understandable approach coming off a career-high 1,243 yards, but it ultimately resulted in a trade to the Bears. Playing out the remainder of his pact, the six-time Pro Bowler made it clear on multiple occasions that he would welcome a stay in Chicago past 2025. It obviously seems unlikely that will wind up happening, but Allen’s future should become clear in the near future after he posted a 70-744-7 statline last season.
Top 10 cap charges for 2025:
- Montez Sweat, DE: $25.09MM
- D.J. Moore, WR: $24.9MM
- Jaylon Johnson, CB: $21MM
- Tremaine Edmunds, LB: $17.44MM
- Jonah Jackson, RG: $14.75MM
- Drew Dalman, C: $13.64MM
- Cole Kmet, TE: $11.6MM
- D’Andre Swift, RB: $9.33MM
- Caleb Williams, QB: $8.97MM
- Kevin Byard, S: $8.5MM
Every player listed (except for Byard) is also on the books for next season with little or no scheduled changes to their cap hits for 2026. That will give Poles and Co. plenty of flexibility to make further moves while Williams remains attached to his rookie deal. Swift will be a cut candidate next offseason in advance of the final year of his contract, meaning running back could be a position to watch regarding a high-profile addition.
With an overhauled coaching staff and upgrades along the offensive and defensive fronts, it is not difficult to envision an improved performance from all involved with the Bears in 2025. The problem, of course, is the fact the NFC North’s other three teams combined to win 40 games last year and will each be expected to remain among the conference’s top contenders moving forward. The path to a Chicago playoff spot will still be narrow even if the intended progress is made.
Given the new commitment to Poles, the Bears are locked into a multiyear approach with he and Johnson at the helm. If Williams can reach his ceiling, that tandem will be in a strong position for many years to come. Struggles in his development, on the other hand, could derail the team’s latest attempt at achieving sustained success.
Per Josina Anderson of The Exhibit, an unspecified incident with a teammate may have triggered the release. The team has not confirmed any such incident or complaint, though a league source confirmed to Anderson there was a situation in which Wilkins was “playing around.”
