Day one of the NFL Combine brought plenty of league-wide news, shaping what free agency could look like—especially for the Chicago Bears. One thing is becoming increasingly clear: the Bears intend to make significant moves to upgrade their offensive line. Ben Johnson even hinted at following a “Panthers-like” approach to free agency, prioritizing the offensive line.
However, newly appointed Jaguars GM James Gladstone made a statement in his press conference that could complicate Chicago’s plans.
Ben Johnson says "it's been done before" in terms of replacing the entire interior of an offensive line in one offseason.
Points to the Panthers doing it last year. Did acknowledge it takes some time for all 5 guys on an offensive line to gel together.
— Harrison Graham (@HGrahamNFL) February 25, 2025
Bears Eye Panthers’ Free Agency Model, but Jaguars Could Disrupt Their Plans
Time to Invest in the Offensive Line
It feels reassuring knowing after years of begging Bears GM Ryan Poles to make some moves on the offensive line, it appears they’ll finally do so this offseason.
For those who don’t know what the Panthers did last season, they were in a similar position the Bears are in. A rookie quarterback getting obliterated in the backfield due to poor offensive line play. Bryce Young was sacked 62 times in 2023, just six fewer than Caleb Williams endured this past season. Recognizing the urgency, Carolina aggressively targeted offensive linemen in free agency, signing guards Damien Lewis (four years, $53 million) and Robert Hunt (five years, $100 million). Those moves dramatically helped the Panthers offense in 2024, and it’s something the Bears must replicate this offseason.
With $79.76 million in cap space (the fourth-highest in the NFL, per OverTheCap), Chicago has the flexibility to be aggressive. The question is: which direction will they take?
A smart bet would be an ultra-aggressive approach on the first two days of free agency. With options thin at center, the Bears should do everything they can to sign Drew Dalman, one of the top centers in the NFL who’ll have a plethora of suitors.
If they miss out on Dalman, veteran Ryan Kelly—who anchored the Colts’ line for years—would be a solid fallback option.
At guard, time will tell what the Bears do. The prize pick is Chiefs right guard Trey Smith, but Chiefs GM Brett Veach said he’s “pretty optimistic” they’ll be able to keep Smith. The good news is there are plenty of options at guard, including younger talents like Will Fries, Mekhi Becton, and James Daniels, along with older veterans like Kevin Zeitler, Brandon Scherff, and many more.
Jaguars Looking to Ruin the Bears’ Plans
The Bears aren’t the only team with offensive line needs. Jacksonville is also prioritizing protection for its young franchise quarterback, and GM James Gladstone has been clear about his intentions:
“Addressing the interior of the OL, setting the dish for the QB, can be really helpful for their success.”
The Jaguars currently have $38.45 million in cap space, which isn’t nearly as much as Chicago, but are positioned to be active in the same market.
The Right Approach Matters
Ultimately, this isn’t about the Bears simply outbidding everyone for offensive linemen, it’s about being strategic. Free agency alone won’t solve all of Chicago’s offensive line issues, nor will one offseason. The key is finding the right balance between aggression and smart investments.
By carefully evaluating free agents and draft prospects, the Bears can ensure Caleb Williams and the rest of the offense are set up for success. The blueprint is there, they just have to execute.
Main Image: David Banks – USA Today Sports
