With the introduction of Ben Johnson as the next Chicago Bears head coach, things are looking up for the team. The foundation is in place, but the focus now shifts to strengthening the trenches and building a winning culture in Chicago. With that in mind, here’s a 2025 Bears mock offseason.

All projections via OvertheCap

Chicago Bears 2025 Mock Offseason: Ben Johnson Era Begins

Restructure LB Tremaine Edmunds’ Contract

For everyone wanting to trade Tremaine Edmunds, it probably won’t happen. However, it is fair to say he has not lived up to his 4-year, $72 million deal, and the Bears will likely reach out to Edmunds this offseason to restructure his contract.

It was recently announced that San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner has agreed to restructure his five-year, $95.225 million deal, which will give the 49ers around $12+ million in cap space. Comparing the two linebackers’ contracts, restructuring Edmunds’ contract should save the Bears around $9 million in cap space.

Cuts:

• TE Gerald Everett – $5.5 million saved
• OG Ryan Bates – $4 mil saved
• ED Dominique Robinson – $1.1 mil saved

Extension:

• CB Kyler Gordon – 4yr, $50 million (12.5M/Year)

The top priority is to re-sign Kyler Gordon. He’s been a phenomenal draft pick by Ryan Poles and deserves a contract extension. The nice part is re-signing him this offseason won’t count against the team’s cap space, because he still has one more year left on his rookie deal.

Cap Space:

The Bears have $63 million in cap space. Allocating $15 million for rookie contracts and factoring in the added $19.6 from restructuring and cuts, it leaves the Bears with $67.6 million for free agency.

Re-Signings:

• LB Jack Sanborn – 2yr, $7.5 million (3.75M/year)
• CB Josh Blackwell – 1yr, $1.4 mil
• ED Darrell Taylor – 1yr, $3.5 mil
• DL Jonathan Ford – 1yr, $1.1 mil
• WR DeAndre Carter – 1yr, $1.5 mil
• OG Matt Pryor – 1yr, $2.5 mil
• LS Scott Daly – 1yr, $1.1 mil
• WR Collin Johnson – 1yr, $1.2 mil
• CB Jaylon Jones – 1yr, $1.3 mil

Remaining Cap Space: $50.25 million

Free Agency:

• OG Trey Smith – 4yr, $88 million (22M/Year)
• C Ryan Kelly – 1yr, $8.5 mil
• WR Tim Patrick – 1yr, $7 mil
• TE Stone Smartt – 1yr, $1.5 mil
• ED Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – 2yr, $5 mil (2.5M/Year)
• DL Neville Gallimore – 1yr, $3 mil

Remaining Cap Space: $5.75 million

Free Agency Outlook:

The media often portrays the Bears as having a significant amount of cap space. In reality, they might face limitations when pursuing top-tier free agents. However, NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler not only highlights the possibility of Trey Smith hitting free agency but also predicts that Smith could sign with the Bears. If this happens, Chicago would boast one of the best right guard/right tackle duos in the NFL.

Here’s the scenario: if the Bears were to land a premier free agent like Smith, it could take up the majority of their cap space. If not, the team may explore more budget-friendly options such as Aaron Banks, Brady Christensen, or Robert Jones as potential solutions at guard.

Let’s say the Bears were to miss out on Drew Dalman at center, Ryan Kelly is the next-best option. He has the experience and stability that the Bears desperately need on offense, even if he isn’t a long-term solution.

In addition, Ben Johnson might bring in one of his own players from Detroit. While it may not be Kevin Zeitler or Dan Skipper, Tim Patrick has played a significant role in the Detroit Lions’ success.

Meanwhile, the trio of Stone Smartt, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and Neville Gallimore could provide key depth and emerge as crucial contributors to the Bears’ success next season.

Read More: 10 Under-The-Radar Free Agents the Bears Could Target

2025 NFL Draft

Trade in Round 1

• Chicago Bears Receive: Pick 17, 2026 Second-Round Pick, 2026 Fifth-Round Pick
• Cincinnati Bengals Receive: Pick 10

Round 1, Pick 17 (Via Trade): OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State

There’s a lot of arguing over who the Bears should draft in the first round, but if the Bears were to trade back, there seems to be a consensus with Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons. Widely considered one of the top tackle prospects in this class, Simmons was dominant before a season-ending injury last year. His blend of quickness, hand placement, and spatial awareness at his size is remarkable. He’d be an immediate upgrade over Braxton Jones and could be a cornerstone of the offense for a long time.

Read More: The Bears Should Emulate the Chargers Approach for the Draft

Round 2, Pick 39: OL Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona

Finding a young, versatile offensive lineman will be vital for the Bears’ offense, and Jonah Savaiinaea is just who the Bears need. Having played both tackle positions and right guard in college, Savaiinaea is projected to switch to guard in the NFL, and he could bring an instant impact with his powerful hands and upper body strength.

Read More: 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona

Round 2, Pick 41: ED Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss

Princely Umanmielen is not only friends with Gervon Dexter Sr., he’s also one of the top pass rushers in this year’s draft class. An explosive pass rusher with the physical traits to become a premier edge in the NFL, Umanmielen would be a perfect complement to Montez Sweat. It’s time for the Bears to find another stud pass rusher, and Umanmielen is that guy.

Read More: Ranking the Best Fits for the Bears in Round Two of the NFL Draft

Round 3, Pick 72: S Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State

First Adrian Amos, then Jaquan Brisker, now Kevin Winston Jr. Seems like the Bears love to draft Penn State safeties, and rightfully so. One of the top tacklers in college football and a versatile defender, he’ll become the successor for Kevin Byard and form a Penn State safety duo with Jaquan Brisker.

Round 5, Pick 147: RB D.J. Giddens, Kansas State

In a deep running back class, the Bears might wait until Day 3 to add to their backfield. D.J. Giddens is a big, physical runner who will need to improve his speed and pass protection at the NFL level. If the team wants to push D’Andre Swift with some competition, Giddens has the potential to fill that role.

Round 6, Pick 194: OL T.J. Ferguson, Florida State

T.J. Ferguson is an experienced offensive lineman with versatility at both guard and center. His high football IQ and impressive mobility for his size make him a compelling developmental prospect. Ferguson could be a valuable depth piece with the potential to grow into a significant contributor over time.

Round 7, Pick 233: TE Gavin Bartholomew, Pittsburgh

Round 7, Pick 240: LB Scooby Williams, Texas A&M

53-Man Roster:

• QB (2): Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent
• RB (3): D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, D.J. Giddens (R)
• WR (6): D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Tim Patrick, Tyler Scott, DeAndre Carter, Collin Johnson
• TE (3): Cole Kmet, Stone Smartt, Gavin Bartholomew (R)
• OT (4): Darnell Wright, Josh Simmons (R), Braxton Jones, Kiran Amegadije
• OG (4): Trey Smith, Jonah Savaiinaea (R), Matt Pryor, T.J. Ferguson (R)
• C (1): Ryan Kelly
• ED (6): Montez Sweat, Princely Umanmielen (R), Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Darrell Taylor, DeMarcus Walker, Austin Booker
• DL (5): Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter Sr., Neville Gallimore, Jonathan Ford, Zacch Pickens
• LB (5): T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, Scooby Williams (R)
• CB (6): Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, Joshua Blackwell, Jaylon Jones
• S (5): Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Winston Jr. (R), Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks
• ST (3): Scott Daly, Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor

If you liked (or hated, hopefully not) this article, here’s a previous Bears mock offseason: Chicago Bears 2025 Mock Offseason: Building a Contender

Main Image: David Banks – USA Today Sports