It’s clear the Chicago Bears have a subpar offensive line. After giving up nine sacks to the New England Patriots, addressing the O-line will be a huge priority during the offseason. With that in mind, here are Plans A and B for rebuilding the Bears O-line.
Plans A & B for Rebuilding the Bears Offensive Line
Plan A
Let Go of Two Starters on the Offensive Line
In an ideal scenario, this is how the Bears should address their offensive line issues. First, they should let left guard Teven Jenkins leave in free agency. While Jenkins has been one of the team’s top performers when healthy, his inability to stay on the field is a huge concern. He hasn’t played a full season for the Bears without suffering an injury, hindering his potential to reach All-Pro status. The team needs dependable players, and Jenkins doesn’t fit that mold. Next, the Bears should also part ways with Coleman Shelton. His lack of size is a glaring issue, leading to being repeatedly overpowered throughout the season and contributing to Caleb Williams being sacked far too often.
Who to Sign During Free Agency
The Bears should prioritize signing Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith during free agency. The three-year, $30 million investment in Nate Davis didn’t pan out, leaving a clear need for a dependable right guard like Smith. A two-time Super Bowl champion and Bleacher Report’s No. 2 free agent, Smith is one of the NFL’s premier run-blocking guards and should be Chicago’s top target if Kansas City doesn’t re-sign him. Bleacher Report highlights Smith as an ideal fit for the Bears, noting:
“Smith should be a top target of the Bears, who have a need at right guard and are projected to have $73 million in 2025 cap space available.”
The other top free agent the Bears should target is Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley. He’s Bleacher Reports’ No. 6 free agent, and they also mention he should be the Bears top target so they can ‘protect Caleb Williams.’ He’ll be on the older side at 31 by the time next season rolls around, but he’s an immediate upgrade over Braxton Jones, and the Bears have the luxury of keeping Jones as the backup in case Stanley gets injured during the season.
Attacking Early During the 2025 NFL Draft
The Bears have a ton of draft capital this year, with a first-round pick and two second-round picks that can be used to address the offensive line. Here are some high-profile O-line prospects to keep an eye on until draft day and their ranking according to CBS Sports:
- 5. OT Will Campbell, LSU
- 10. OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
- 23. OT/OG Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
- 30. OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
- 32. OG Tyler Booker, Alabama
- 47. OT Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
- 49. OT Aieontae Ersery, Minnesota
For the Bears, there are a ton of tackles available early on. If an elite prospect like Kelvin Banks Jr. falls to them, it should be a no-brainer in the first round. In the second round, they could target a guard like Tyler Booker with one pick and use the other to address the defensive line.
Here’s the ideal Plan A starting lineup for the Bears’ offensive line:
- LT Ronnie Stanley
- LG Tyler Booker
- C Ryan Bates
- RG Trey Smith
- RT Darnell Wright
The hope is that the Bears will draft a center in the middle rounds of the draft and have him develop while Ryan Bates slides over to the starting center position. If the Bears are lucky, they can sign Stanley and Smith to help shore up the offensive line.
Plan B
Plan B offers a more realistic approach for the Bears to address their offensive line issues. While the team should still part ways with Teven Jenkins and Coleman Shelton in free agency, they should still make an effort to sign Trey Smith and Ronnie Stanley. However, it’s possible the Chiefs may prioritize re-signing Smith, and Stanley could opt to finish his career with the Ravens. If those options fall through, the Bears have other viable targets in free agency, including:
- Rams LT Alaric Jackson
- Eagles RG Mekhi Becton
- Falcons C Drew Dalman
- Steelers RG James Daniels
- Buccaneers LG Ben Bredeson
There’s more to choose from, but these guys are young and can provide an immediate upgrade to the Bears O-line. Signing at least two of these linemen would be huge heading into the draft. The Bears can take the best player available and still address the remaining guard or tackle position in the second round of the draft.
Here’s what Plan B could look like for the Bears’ offensive line:
- LT Kelvin Banks Jr.
- LG Ryan Bates
- C Drew Dalman
- RG Mekhi Becton
- RT Darnell Wright
The Bears have plenty of options, but it’s crucial for Ryan Poles—or whoever takes the reins as general manager—to prioritize the offensive line this offseason. Fans are tired of seeing a Bears QB take an unreal amount of sacks due to poor O-line play.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
