There’s no shortage of disappointment surrounding the Chicago Bears, and rightfully so. After an offseason filled with optimism, this season has been a disaster. Now, Ryan Poles faces his final chance to correct course. With some serious holes to address and inevitable coaching changes, this team will look vastly different in 2025. With that in mind, here’s a projection of the Bears 2025 mock offseason.<\/p>\n
All projections via OvertheCap<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n The Bears always find a way to mess up, so let’s hope they don’t for once. Detroit Lions<\/a> offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the obvious hire, with his expertise in offensive play calls and creativity for a young coach. The writing is on the wall for Johnson to become the next coach, and he’s interested in the role.<\/a> All that’s left is for him and the Bears to reach an agreement money-wise.<\/p>\n All six of these players have fallen short of expectations this season. Considering the cap savings the Bears could achieve by moving on, it’s time to part ways. A surprising cut would be 2023 third-round pick Zacch Pickens. If he’s a healthy scratch even with Billings on IR, it’s clear he hasn’t lived up to his draft status. As for Cairo Santos, if he’s unable to make a 57-yard field goal, why should the Bears keep him? Retaining a kicker with limited range doesn’t make sense. It’s time to find his replacement.<\/p>\n The Bears enter the offseason with $82 million in cap space. Allocating $15 million for rookie contracts leaves $67 million. Factoring in $18.36 million from cuts, the Bears have $85.36 million for free agency.<\/p>\n Remaining Cap Space: $53.56 million<\/em><\/p>\n Deciding whether to re-sign Keenan Allen is a tough call. If he’s willing to return on a team-friendly, one-year deal, it would make sense for the Bears to bring him back to support Caleb Williams. As for Teven Jenkins, the decision to move on comes down to reliability. While he’s a talented player, the Bears need availability. Jack Sanborn has stood out despite limited opportunities, and most of these re-signings are for depth.<\/p>\n Remaining Cap Space: $10.06 million<\/em><\/p>\n The Bears top priority this offseason should be addressing the center position. Coleman Shelton isn’t starter material, and signing a top-tier center like Drew Dalman would be a game-changer.<\/p>\n At guard, the team is likely to see two new starters. While signing Trey Smith would be ideal,<\/a> it’s unlikely the Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> will let him go. Mekhi Becton has made a remarkable comeback, emerging as an elite guard this season. Pairing him with Darnell Wright on the right side would create a formidable duo.<\/p>\n However, it’s hard to imagine Ryan Poles investing heavily in more than two offensive line starters. Instead, the Bears might turn to Miami Dolphins<\/a> guard Robert Jones as a cost-effective option. For depth, Ben Johnson could bring in a familiar face in Dan Skipper.<\/p>\n On defense, there aren’t many high-profile additions. Los Angeles Rams<\/a> defensive tackle Bobby Brown III has quietly had a solid year despite being overshadowed by Kobie Turner and rookie Braden Fiske. Meanwhile, Bleacher Report has listed Dayo Odeyingbo as a potential target for the Bears.<\/a> Odeyingbo has recorded 16.5 sacks in 57 games with only 15 starts, making him an intriguing option.<\/p>\n With much of the cap space allocated to offensive linemen, the Bears might miss out on signing a premier pass rusher like Chase Young or Josh Sweat. Baltimore Ravens<\/a> cornerback Brandon Stephens provides some juice in the secondary. It’s not a long-term solution, but signing a familiar face like Michael Badgley to possibly compete with a rookie kicker would be the next best move for the Bears.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/jacobinfante24\/status\/1871275799309070458<\/p>\n Analysis via NFLDraftBuzz<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n It seems like fans are divided on upgrading at left tackle or sticking with Braxton Jones. Personally, if there’s an opportunity to upgrade to a premium position like LT, you do it. Kelvin Banks Jr. won the Lombardi Award<\/a> for the top offensive lineman in college football and possesses all the athletic traits to become an elite tackle. If the Bears truly believe in Caleb Williams, making a bold move and drafting Banks Jr. would be a clear sign of that.<\/p>\n https:\/\/twitter.com\/Rob__Paul\/status\/1870620603461550195<\/p>\n Continuing the trend of drafting offensive linemen, if Jonah Savaiinaea<\/a> were available in the second round, it would be a no-brainer for the Bears. Standing at 6’5″ and 330 pounds, Savaiinaea’s ability to excel using his immense frame to punish defenders will make a lot of Bears fans happy, including Caleb Williams. A day-one starter with a ton of potential, Savaiinaea could become a staple of the Bears offensive line for years to come. Plus, he played tackle for the Arizona Wildcats but is viewed as a guard in the NFL, so he’ll provide versatility up front for the Bears.<\/p>\n LT Overton has exceptional athleticism for his size at 6’5″ and 283 pounds and can line up in various techniques across the defensive line. There’s a golden opportunity for Overton to win the starting pass rusher role opposite Montez Sweat, and he has the tools to win the job.<\/p>\n It’s crazy how a player can go from a projected first-round pick to a mid-round pick in a year. This isn’t to say Ollie Gordon is a bad player, he just had a slump this season going from 1,732 yards (6.1 yards per carry) during his sophomore season to 880 yards (4.6 yards per carry)<\/a>. The reality for the Bears is they need a running back that can do a little of everything. D’Andre Swift has been a disappointing signing, and Roschon Johnson has been dealing with injuries. Ollie Gordon provides the best of both worlds and could be a focal point of the Bears offense sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n Darrell Jackson Jr. would be a great pickup this late in the draft for the Bears. At 6’5″ and 330 pounds, the best way to describe Jackson Jr. is a raw prospect with all the physical traits that need time to be developed. With Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter Sr., and Bobby Brown III taking most of the snaps, it allows Jackson Jr. the time to develop and work on his pass rush arsenal and polish his technique.<\/p>\n If the Bears are going to be weird and not involve Cole Kmet in the offense, at least get a tight end that will be more involved. Elijah Arroyo is a raw but gifted prospect with a natural receiving ability. He’ll need to work on his blocking and route tree, but the potential exists.<\/p>\n An extremely lengthy linebacker at 6’5″ and 237 pounds with raw athleticism and pass-rushing skills. If the Bears convert to a 3-4, he’s best as an outside linebacker. Otherwise, he’ll be a hybrid pass rusher\/linebacking prodigy for the Bears.<\/p>\nChicago Bears 2025 Mock Offseason: Building a Contender<\/h1>\n
Bears Hire Ben Johnson as Head Coach<\/h2>\n
Cuts<\/h3>\n
\n
Cap Space<\/h3>\n
Re-Signings<\/h3>\n
\n
Free Agency<\/h3>\n
\n
Free Agency Outlook<\/h3>\n
2025 NFL Draft<\/h2>\n
Round 1: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas<\/h3>\n
Round 2 (Via Panthers): OG Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona<\/h3>\n
Round 2: EDGE LT Overton, Alabama<\/h3>\n
Round 3: RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State<\/h3>\n
Round 5: DT Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State<\/h3>\n
Round 6 (via Steelers): TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami<\/h3>\n
Round 7 (via Bengals): LB Steve Linton, Baylor<\/h3>\n
Round 7 (via Vikings): WR Mycah Pittman, Utah<\/h3>\n