The Chicago Bears have been busy assembling their roster for the 2026 NFL season. Following the sudden retirement of Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman, they acquired Garrett Bradbury to replace him. In order to do that, they traded away wide receiver DJ Moore to the New England Patriots.

Trading away Moore benefits the Bears two ways. First, they got their replacement at center. Second, moving Moore opens up more opportunities for their younger core of pass catchers.

But while their receiving room is still solid, the offensive line still has questions. This is particularly true at left tackle, the most important position on the line.

Chicago Bears urged to trade for future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams

Left tackle, of course, is vital to any team with a right-handed quarterback because they protect the blindside. Caleb Williams, as the Bears franchise quarterback, must be protected from pass rushers that he cannot see.

Unfortunately, starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo tore his patellar tendon in the NFL Playoffs and may not be able to play in 2026. Braxton Jones was brought back on a one-year deal, but Chicago would probably prefer to use him as a swing tackle as opposed to a regular starting left tackle.

As such, The Sporting News urged the Bears to look into trading for future Pro Football Hall of Famer Trent Williams:

“With the Bears having Super Bowl aspirations in 2026, it’s not crazy to think Chicago wouldn’t mind bringing in a future Hall of Famer to protect Caleb Williams’ blindside.”

Williams made the Pro Bowl, the 12th of his career, in 2025 and was named Second Team All-Pro. He also is a three-time First Team All-Pro selection.

The San Francisco 49ers recently declined Williams’ $10 million option on his contract, which means 2026 will be the final year of his deal. If he decides he wants more guarantees and asks for a trade, Chicago could be very interested, given the fact that they believe they can compete for a Super Bowl next season.

More Chicago Bears news from ChiCity Sports

• Bears urged to trade for key position ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
• Kevin Byard had words for Caleb Williams before leaving Chicago
• Former Bears running back lands in AFC North

For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Arizona Cardinals got a little bit deeper in special teams with the addition of former Chicago Bears wide receiver/returner Devin Duvernay. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, Duvernay and the Cardinals agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.5 million.

More News: DJ Moore expects the Buffalo Bills to go ‘further’ than the Bears

The former All-Pro returner (2021) had 26 yards receiving and 231 yards on punt returns. On kickoffs, Duvernay had 1,069 yards with his longest return of 56 yards.

Sources: Former #Bears All-Pro WR/returner Devin Duvernay is signing with the #Cardinals on a 1-year, $2.5M deal, negotiated by @ErikBurkhardt of @RocNationSports.

Aside from being an option at receiver, Duvernay is a key weapon for his field-position impact as a returner. pic.twitter.com/U8dfTYZwM1

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 15, 2026

Devin Duvernay will help upgrade the Arizona Cardinals’ special teams

Duvernay is one of the best returners in the NFL, as he’s a two-time Pro Bowl returner. Duvernay has not scored a touchdown on a kickoff return since 2022, and has not returned a punt for a touchdown.

The Cardinals will benefit from Duncernay’s speed and return talents, ranking fourth-most in kickoff return yards (1,979) and 30th in punt return (217). Wide receiver/returner Greg Dortch was the team’s leader in kickoff (811) and punt returns (185).

One of the worst teams in the NFL last season (3-14), and not being good for four seasons — the Cardinals’ last .500 season was in 2021 (11-6) — the Cardinals may be a bottom dweller again.

Releasing quarterback Kyler Murray — Murray signed with the Minnesota Vikings — the Cardinals are sureing up their special teams play to compensate for a terrible offense they may have in 2026.

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New Buffalo Bills and former Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore is excited to start his new journey with quarterback Josh Allen. Moore referred to the 2024 Associated Press MVP as a “field general.”

“It’s a warm welcome, I’m just glad to be here,” Moore said to Michael Baca of NFL.com. “[Allen] is ready for me to get there and get going.”

“He’s a field general,” Moore said of Allen. “You see him out there trying to conduct things and the way he does it, is successful, and I just want to be a part of that.”

More News: Chicago Bears’ Garrett Bradbury doesn’t want to reinvent the wheel

Moore had a down year with the Bears, having 682 yards receiving, but had six touchdowns. Moore is three seasons removed from a 1,000+ yard season (2023, 1,364 yards).

DJ Moore got a taste of winning while with the Bears, but expects to “further” with the Buffalo Bills

“Last year was my first winning season, so I got a taste of what everybody has been getting a taste of here in Buffalo,” Moore said. “It was good. It was fun. The atmosphere was amazing. … I look forward to getting back there with the Bills and going further.”

“[Go] out there every day and just getting better [by] one percent,” Moore said of Brady’s coaching style. “The little things or the most needed things that we needed to focus on, he always harped on them; and he never took his foot off the gas.”

Under head coach Joe Brady — Brady previously served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2024-25 and was Allen’s quarterbacks coach starting in 2022 — the Bills had the fourth-best offense in the NFL (376.3 yards). Brady helped Allen become a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback and finish in the top five for MVP five times.

DJ Moore won’t be around when the Chicago Bears start winning

2025 was Moore’s first winning season with the Bears (11-6) — the Bears went 12-22 from 2023 to 2024. Quarterback Caleb Williams and Moore played together only in 2024 and 2025, when Moore saw a drop in production.

After winning the NFC North for the first time since 2018, the Bears are only scratching the surface of their potential. Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears ranked sixth-best offense (369.5 yards).

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The Chicago Bears brought in veteran center Garrett Bradbury to replace center Drew Dalman after he retired. The former Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots center is “not coming in to try and re-establish anything,” but to “help” the Bears.

“I’m not coming in to try and re-establish anything,” Bradbury told reporters virtually Thursday. “I’m just trying to learn from these guys, how do you guys work? They won the division last year. They had success, won a playoff game. I’m not coming in to try and change anything. I’m coming in to help. That starts with building these relationships and figuring out how I can help. And then it goes from there.”

More News: Buffalo Bills add veteran defensive depth by signing former Bears safety

Bradbury played in all 17 games with the Patriots last season and committed no holding or false start penalties.

Garrett Bradbury is “fired up” to join the Chicago Bears and Ben Johnson’s offense

“I’m fired up,” Bradbury said. “I’m not just saying that. Playing against Ben when I was in Minnesota and he was in Detroit for all those years – you watch certain offenses as an offensive line, and there’s just offenses that excite you. His is certainly one of them. You know what you’re going to get. You want to run the football, and you want play-action.

“It’s a physical brand of football, which I think every lineman wants to sign up for. Just the brief time I got to talk with him, he relayed that message. It’s going to be exciting; it’s going to be a lot of hard work and that’s what I’m ready to sign up for.”

Johnson was the Detroit Lions’ offense coordinator (2022-24) while Bradbury was with the Vikings (2019-24).

The Bears have done well to add and keep the offensive line intact

Even though Dalman retired at 27 years old, adding Bradbury wasn’t the only thing the Bears did to strengthen their offensive line. The Bears brought back left tackle Braxton Jones to help protect quarterback Caleb Williams blind side and re-signed offensive lineman Jordan McFadden. Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills also re-signed to add more depth to the line.

Williams showed his potential last season, falling just shy (3,942 yards) of becoming the first Bears quarterback in history to throw for 4,000 yards. With that likely being a possibility in 2026, strengthening the offensive line should help Williams accomplish that feat.

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The Buffalo Bills added depth to their defense on Thursday, signing former Chicago Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal. According to NFL.com Insider Tom Pelissero, Gardner-Johnson and his agents, Kevin Conner and Robert Brown, signed a $6 million contract.

More News: Chicago Bears see Maxx Crosby kill trade hopes with 1st social media post since Ravens saga

The former Super Bowl champion — 2024 with the Philadelphia Eagles — Gardner-Johnson had three sacks, 35 solo tackles and four pass defenses in 10 games with the Bears.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson joins a quality Buffalo Bills defense and defensive back room

Gardner-Johnson will join the seventh-best defense in 2025 (293.1 yards) and add some veteran leadership on defense.

The Bills have a handful of safeties on their roster, with Sam Franklin and Cole Bishop as the main options. Safeties Wande Owens and Damar Hamlin also offer depth. 

Gardner-Johnson won’t just help the Bills on defense, but being a former Super Bowl champion could help inspire the locker room. The Bills failed to reach the big game last season after losing to the Denver Broncos in overtime in the AFC Divisional Round (33-30).

The Bills had their best chance to win the Super Bowl in 2025, with the Kansas City Chiefs taking a step back after dominating for over a decade.

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It has been a wild first three days of NFL free agency. While the new league year began on Wednesday, the legal tampering period started on Monday. In those first 72 hours, there were numerous trades and multiple free agents came off of the market by agreeing to contracts with new teams.

While many of the most covered and coveted free agents are off the board now, there are still some very high-quality players still available. Betting markets have been at a fever pitch, and the best offshore football sportsbooks have some bigtime money coming in during the start of NFL Free Agency.

Quarterback Kyler Murray

On Wednesday, the Arizona Cardinals formally released quarterback Kyler Murray. He hits the market with two Pro Bowls under his belt and seven seasons of experience.

While he is widely expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, he is also keeping his options open.

What’s more, whatever contract Murray signs this season is going to be a one-year deal. The teams he is meeting with now will also have a chance to sign him next off-season if they do not land him this time around. If he is able to re-establish himself wherever he goes in 2026, he could be the most sought-after quarterback on next year’s market.

Left tackle Rasheed Walker

For weeks, many believed that former Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker was going to be one of the hottest names on the free agent market. However, it has been more than three days and he has not found a new home.

While Walker struggles in run defense, he has proven in the past that he is a more than capable pass protector. What is more, he has stayed healthy over the course of his career. Just 25 years old, he can be a long-time building block for any NFL team.

A former seventh round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Walker was forced into starting duty in 2023 when David Bakhtiari went down with a career-ending knee injury. Walker held the job in Green Bay since that time, though the Packers’ selection of Jordan Morgan in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft signaled that he would not be retained by the team.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers

Will he retire or will he come back for another season? That is the question that has surrounded Rodgers for the last several years dating back to the end of his time in Green Bay.

The fact of the matter, though, is that he still played at a relatively high level in 2025 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Should he want to come back for another run in 2026, the Steelers would obviously be interested, especially since they have hired his old head coach in Green Bay, Mike McCarthy.

But there are a handful of other teams that may be in need of a starting quarterback for a year, and Rodgers has to be considered one of the better ones on the market until he officially takes his name off of it.

The post Biggest 3 names still in the free agent market appeared first on ChiCitySports.

In a shocking development, the Chicago Bears might be back in play to trade for star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

Just one day before a trade would be finalized, the Baltimore Ravens have backed out of their trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for the superstar pass rusher. It sent a shock wave through the NFL on Tuesday night just hours before the league year officially begins on Wednesday afternoon.

Now, with Crosby back on the market, what’s next?

Maxx Crosby could be back in play for the Chicago Bears

Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders confirmed in a statement that the trade with Baltimore has been cancelled, due to the Ravens backing out.

Ravens backed out of the Maxx Crosby trade. pic.twitter.com/N0Wy1m3WTZ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2026

Shortly after, Dianna Russini of the Athletic confirmed that the trade was called off. The reason? Crosby not passing his physical.

Just like that, the star pass rusher could be very well in play for the Bears as well as other teams. There were reports that the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots were both interested in Crosby before he was traded.

As of now, no team has emerged this quickly but things could change in a hurry.

Due to Crosby not passing his physical, his trade value will likely go down as well. Could Ryan Poles pull off a stunning blockbuster move without giving up two first round picks? It will be interesting to see how teams handle this now with the Crosby news taking center stage.

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The Chicago Bears have continued to add before the new season starts on March 11 by bringing in more depth on defense.

More News: Chicago Bears sign former Detroit Lions wide receiver, 2x All-Pro, to reunite with Ben Johnson

According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears are finalizing a deal to bring in defensive end and former Atlanta Falcon, Kentavius Street. In two seasons with the Falcons, Street had three sacks, 20 solo tackles, and 36 total tackles in 20 games.

Street’s best season came in 2022 when he was with the New Orleans Saints, where he had 3.5 sacks in 17 games. Street has 10.5 sacks for his career.

The Bears also agreed to terms to bring in saftey Coby Bryant on a three-year ($40 million) contract to bolster their secondary.

Sources: The #Bears are signing veteran DE Kentavius Street.

Street has been with the Falcons since 2023 and brings 10.5 career sacks to Chicago. https://t.co/Vr1lYoAYtl pic.twitter.com/Ab7SEy8Yy7

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 10, 2026

The Chicago Bears are adding depth to their defensive front with Kentavius Street signing

Street won’t be a starter for the Bears on defense, but he’ll serve as a suitable backup. The Bears run a Base 4-3 Defense under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, while Street played under a Base 3-4 Defense while in Atlanta.

The Bears have defensive linemen Grady Jarrett, edge defenders Montez Sweat and Day Odeyingbo, and Gervon Dexter Sr. as the starters. Street and defensive lineman Neville Gallimore will come off the bench and plug when needed. The Bears had the fourth-worst in the NFL (29th, 361.8 yards).

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The Chicago Bears continued to add to their roster by agreeing to terms to bring back left tackle Braxton Jones. According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the deal is worth a reported $10 million — $5 million in salary and $5 million in incentives.

More News: NFL: Former Chicago Bears QB agrees to sign with the Titans

A former fifth-round pick (168th overall) by the Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones has started 44 games in four seasons. Jones played in the fewest number of games (six) in 2025 after a couple of stints on the injured reserve list.

The Braxton Jones deal with the #Bears is 1-year, $5M with another $5M in incentives, per sources. https://t.co/xYCoeBomvt

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 9, 2026

The Chicago Bears continue to add to the offensive line

The Bears needed to add to their offensive line after center Drew Dalman suddenly retired at 27, leaving a massive void. Thankfully, the Bears acquired center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots (in principle) for a 2027 fifth-round pick to replace Dalman.

The Bears have a decent offensive line to protect quarterback Caleb Williams, with left guard Joe Thuney, right guard Jonah Jackson, and right tackle Darnell Wright also returning. Protecting Williams is the top priority, as the third-year quarterback from the University of Southern California is emerging as a pillar of the team.

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The Tennessee Titans found their backup quarterback, agreeing to terms with former Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. According to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo, the deal with Trubisky is a two-year contract.

More News: Chicago Bears agree to deal with potential Kevin Byard replacement

The Bears selected Trubisky with the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In four seasons with the Bears, Trubisky threw for 10,609 yards with 64 touchdowns and 37 interceptions, while making the Pro Bowl in 2018.

Trubisky also spent two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2022-23) and parts of three seasons with the Buffalo Bills (2021, 2024-25).

Mitchell Trubisky should offer the perfect backup for the Titans and Cam Ward

The Titans’ offense was terrible last season (31st, 259.6 yards), while quarterback Cam Ward tied Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith for the league lead in sacks (55). Under new head coach Robert Salah and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, things should be different.

Daboll was the offensive coordinator in Buffalo when Trubisky was the backup in 2021. Daboll also coached the New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (2,272 yards and 15 touchdowns). Under Daboll, Ward should have more success, with Trubisky offering a familiar option to turn to in case he needs another option.

Trubisky threw for 313 yards and four touchdowns in four games with the Bills last season.

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After the Chicago Bears found out that center Drew Dalman would be retiring after five seasons at 27, the Bears needed to find someone to replace him.

More News: Chicago Bears: Potential Maxx Crosby trade update revealed

The Bears have options available on the free agent market when the new season opens on March 11 at 4 p.m. Eastern, but will be down one potential suitor, with center Tyler Biadasz agreeing to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers on a three-year contract worth $30 million, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. The Washington Commanders released Biadasz to free up $8.3 million in cap space.

The Chicago Bears will need to look elsewhere to find their next center

Despite Biadasz appearing to be off the table, the Bears have other options available to sign. Free agent centers Connor McGovern of the Buffalo Bills (previous salary $7.45 million, seven years pro), Graham Glasgow of the Detroit Lions ($6.66 million, 10 years pro), and Ethan Pocic of the Cleveland Browns ($6 million, nine years pro) would offer suitable veteran replacements.

Center Ryan Bates would also offer a familiar option, as he spent the past two seasons with the Bears and played 16 games on the offensive line last season.

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Following the shocking trade of DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, there is so much speculation on what the Chicago Bears could be doing next.

More news: Chicago Bears make bombshell trade with Bills for curious compensation: Report

After saving over 15 million in cap space by trading Moore, could a potential trade for Raiders star Maxx Crosby actually be happening?

There’s been heavy speculation that the Bears could be in the drivers seat to land the 29 year old star pass rusher.

However, nothing is confirmed yet. The latest development on Crosby is that things are moving very fast as of Thursday.

A trade for Maxx Crosby could happen anytime soon

More news: Maxx Crosby is a great fit for the culture of the Chicago Bears, says one NFL reporter

According to Trey Wingo, things are “moving fast” regarding Crosby being dealt. Wingo revealed that as of Wednesday night, the Dallas Cowboys thought they could land the Raiders superstar.

https://x.com/wingoz/status/2029636250022584522?

However, teams are now raising the trade price. Reportedly some teams have offered the Raiders two first-round draft picks, which has led to the Cowboys backing out.

Could the Bears be one of the teams that offered the Raiders two first- round picks? With Chicago receiving a 2nd round pick for Moore, the Bears now have an extra draft pick that could be added to a potential Crosby trade.

With how crazy the NFL can be, anything can happen. The Bears should not be ruled out on Crosby yet.

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The Green Bay Packers are looking for a backup quarterback this offseason after Malik Willis showed his heroics against the Chicago Bears when Jordan Love suffered a concussion on Dec. 20.

More News: Bears-Raiders Maxx Crosby trade could happen soon

The Bears won the game, but Willis would lead the Packers to two wins in December before Love returned.

Willis is set to become a starter with a new team in free agency, and Green Bay could look to add a former first-round pick by its rival, the Bears.

The Bears traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 before they drafted Caleb Williams at No. 1. Fields lost the starting quarterback job to Russell Wilson.

In 2025, Fields started nine games for the New York Jets after signing a two-year contract. However, he’s expected to be released for free agency this offseason after throwing for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception last season.

Could former Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields join the Packers?

Former Packers offensive lineman Mark Tauscher urged Green Bay to sign Fields in free agency as a backup to Love.

“There is a quarterback that is as down on his luck and is beaten into the turf more than any quarterback in the league, probably as much as Malik Willis,” Tauscher said on ESPN Milwaukee. “And you don’t have to even give up a seventh for this young man who is a great athlete… He’s a one-read guy right now.

“That’s why he got in trouble with Chicago, and why he got in trouble everywhere else he’s been. But it will be a minimal cost, and I think it will solve your backup quarterback issues, and for him, it will be a boom. I want the Green Bay Packers to aggressively go and get Justin Fields to be their backup quarterback. That’s what I want.”

“I want the Green Bay #Packers to AGGRESSIVELY go and get Justin Fields to be their backup quarterback.” #GoPackGo | @MarkTauscher65 pic.twitter.com/RVQNRL9gG5

— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) March 2, 2026

Fields struggled throwing with the Jets last season. New York benched him last season, opting to let Tyrod Taylor give the coaching staff a chance to better evaluate their wide receivers before the offseason.

However, Fields is still a threat with his legs. He rushed for 383 yards and four touchdowns last season.

Fields could do some damage for Green Bay if they used him for certain packages. Still, it’s unclear if he’d be a threat as a starter if Love suffered an injury.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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After a few years of being turned down for jobs, former Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham landed a big role. Cunningham was named general manager of the Atlanta Falcons, moving on to the next step in his career.

Now, as Cunningham arrives at his first combine as the head man in charge, he’s making his first big decision.

Ian Cunningham, Falcons moving on from Kirk Cousins

As the NFL Scouting Combine gets underway in Indianapolis this week, a lot of talk will be on potential free agents. Now, we can officially add another one to the list for teams needing a quarterback.

Ian Cunningham confirmed Tuesday morning during an appearance on 92.9 The Game in Atlanta that the Falcons will release veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins when the new league year begins in March. Cousins signed a four-year deal in 2024 worth $180M with $100M guaranteed. He lasted just two seasons in Atlanta as the Falcons also drafted Michael Penix in the 2024 season.

#Falcons GM Ian Cunningham confirmed on @929TheGame that Kirk Cousins will be released in March on the first day of the new league year, making him a free agent.

Cousins earned $100M during his two seasons with Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/gFKAXXBl8p

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 24, 2026

The Falcons are in a tough spot as Penix had a season-ending injury last year and likely won’t be ready for the start of 2026. Even so, Penix hasn’t proved to be a franchise quarterback the Falcons had hoped he would be.

The challenge now for Ian Cunningham is to find a long-term solution at quarterback. It’s a relatively weak draft class in terms of quarterbacks. The Falcons likely aren’t going to make a big move in free agency for one either. But the most important thing is that they made a decision on a veteran that cost them a lot of money.

Now, Cunningham has to do one of the hardest things in sports. Find a franchise quarterback.

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After going 5-12 in 2024, the Chicago Bears under new head coach Ben Johnson rebounded and finished first in the NFC North (11-6) for the first time since 2018.

More News: Chicago Bears tight end ranked among top trade candidates for 2026 offseason

The Bears’ success is thanks to Johnson’s offensive mind, as the Bears have the sixth-best offense in the NFL (369.5 yards). The Bears also had the third-best rushing offense (144.5 yards), thanks to their two backs, D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai.

Swift enters the final year of his contract with the Bears ($1.33 million) and had the best season of his career last season, rushing for 1,087 yards (223 carries) and nine touchdowns. Doing so well and with his future uncertain, Swift hopes he “did enough” to make the Bears want him.

“I have no idea, but hopefully I did enough for them to want me back because I know I don’t want to go anywhere else,” Swift told the Chicago Sun-Times. “I hope it plays itself out that way. I love the city, I love the coaching staff and the men that I work with. That’s out of my control, but if I had it my way, I’d be back. I don’t want to play nowhere else.”

D’Andre Swift enters a prove-it season to try to stay with the Chicago Bears

For the Bears to consider keeping Swift around long-term, like he wants, he’ll need to replicate the same season he had, as he only has two 1,000-yard rushing seasons under his belt — 2023 being the other, 1,049 yards. Swift’s resurgence is all credited to Johnson, who he said, “believes in me.”

“First of all, Ben always believed in me as a player, so just him giving me opportunities was great,” Swift said. “The more opportunities I’m given, the more I can make stuff happen.”

Even though Swift had a resurgence in his career under Johnson, he’ll be fighting to get carries, as Monangai had a breakout rookie year, rushing for 783 yards (169 carries) and five touchdowns. Swift will have to show once again that he’s the back the Bears saw in 2025 to get the extension he’s looking for.

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The NFL offseason is just a week old but things will start to heat up very quickly. We are just a week away from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine and three weeks away from the start of free agency.

And that’s when all the fun begins.

For the Chicago Bears, they enter a very important offseason after a successful first year under Ben Johnson. The task at hand now is to sustain that success but for Ryan Poles and his front office, they are going to need to fill some holes on the roster. They have some big decisions to make as well as they look to get under the cap.

While names like Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby continue to be connected to the Bears, another option emerged early Monday morning.

Is Bradley Chubb an option for Chicago Bears?

On Monday, reports surfaced that the Miami Dolphins have released veteran defensive end Bradley Chubb. The 29-year-old spent four seasons in Miami and had two years left on his deal. Cutting him would save the Dolphins $7.3 million in cap space but that number increases to $21M if he’s a post-June 1st cut.

Chubb is coming off a season in which he started all 17 games and had 8.5 sacks. That was after missing the 2024 season with a torn ACL.

But does he make sense for the Bears?

With Chicago currently being under the cap, they will have to make moves to free up space. That means potentially moving on from guys who played a key role last season like Tremaine Edmunds and Cole Kmet.

For Chubb, he’s shown he can be productive in the past as he had 22 sacks in two-plus seasons in Miami. Chicago needs some help on the edge in terms of a pass rusher, but it will depend on the price.

The former top 5 pick’s market is tough to project at the moment. However, he won’t be cheap. With the Bears spending money on Dayo Odeybingo last season at three years and $48M, I imagine Chubb will cost more than that. And it might not be the price Ryan Poles and the Bears can afford.

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It’s safe to say that there is no love lost between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers these days.

Not only did the Bears win two of three matchups against the bitter rivals, including eliminating the Packers from the NFC Playoffs, in comeback fashion, but quarterback Caleb Williams’ celebration ruffled Green Bay All-Pro Micah Parsons’ feathers after a regular season comeback victory at Soldier Field, and Ben Johnson’s handshake with Matt LaFleur following the postseason victory was as icy as it gets.

The Packers, though, are turning to a former Bears assistant coach to help elevate quarterback Jordan Love’s development.

Packers hire former Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy

According to NFL Media insider Tom Pelissero, the Packers are hiring former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy as Green Bay’s next quarterbacks coach.

Getsy, 41, served as the Bears’ offensive coordinator from 2022 though the 2023 season.

The Bears’ offense never gained much traction under Getsy, finishing 28th in total offense in 2022, only to finish the following season ranked 20th. A return to Lambeau Field is familiar stomping grounds for Getsy.

First joining the Packers as an offensive quality control coach back in 2014, Getsy has spent nine seasons in Green Bay, including spending the 2025 campaign as a senior offensive assistant to head coach Matt LaFleur.

Prior to his Green Bay return, and after the Bears fired Getsy in 2024, he spent one season as the offensive coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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The Chicago Bears and their head coach, Ben Johnson, have finally found the offensive coordinator they have needed, since former offensive coordinator Declan Doyle took the offensive coordinator role with the Baltimore Ravens.

More News: Former Chicago Bears GM parting ways with Falcons after Ian Cunningham hire

To fill Doyle’s shows and assist Johnson with the playcalling, the Bears decided to hire from within, promoting passing game coordinator Press Taylor to offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo. Taylor, 38, was the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator (2022-24) and was integral in Pro Bowl quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s development.

Taylor has also worked with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts in various roles.

The #Bears are promoting passing game coordinator Press Taylor to offensive coordinator, giving coach Ben Johnson a new top lieutenant, per The Insiders.

Taylor was an OC with the #Jaguars until 2024 before working with Johnson. With Declan Doyle in Baltimore, Taylor is the OC. pic.twitter.com/vWlEr6G8qA

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2026

Press Taylor should add another quality voice to take the Chicago Bears’ offense to the next level

Even though Johnson will be the primary play caller, having another voice with play-calling experience to offer a different perspective could help in late-game situations or when telling Johnson that going for it on fourth down may not be a great idea. The Bears had the sixth-best offense in the NFL in Johnson’s first season as the head coach (369.5 yards) and had the best offense in the playoffs, despite their elimination (431.0).

This move by the Bears appears to be a smart one, as Taylor will offer continuity to quarterback Caleb Williams, who, aside from being great in the fourth quarter, needs to show growth throughout the game. With running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, and receivers/tight ends Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland all returning, the Bears are in good shape to do well next season.

The post Chicago Bears hire from within their coaching staff as their next OC appeared first on ChiCitySports.

When former Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham left the team for the Atlanta Falcons, it seemed the Bears would be rewarded with two third round compensatory draft picks, but that did not happen.

More news: Chicago Bears’ DJ Moore just sent a message to the rest of the NFL

The NFL rewards teams with compensatory draft picks when a minority candidate leaves for a head coaching or general manager upgrade. Cunningham left the Bears to become the general manager for the Falcons.

However, the Bears will not be rewarded these draft picks due to the Falcons having Matt Ryan as their “primary football executive”.

The former Falcons quarterback and now head of football operations now has shockingly admitted what Cunningham’s role will be.

The Chicago Bears have gotten screwed by the NFL

More news: Chicago Bulls trade deadline grade revealed

Ryan confirmed in an interview with CBS Sports that Cunningham will be in charge of both the draft process and free agency.

Via Ari Meirov on X:

#Falcons president Matt Ryan says GM Ian Cunningham will be the one driving the ship and in charge when it comes to the draft and free agency.

( @NFLonCBS) pic.twitter.com/i9jg4OKM1K

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 5, 2026

This essentially confirms that Cunningham will be steering the ship in Atlanta. Which means the Bears should clearly get two third round picks in the 2026 draft.

Because Ryan still has the “final say” in football moves for the Falcons, the Bears won’t be rewarded with two very solid draft picks that could upgrade their team in a number of ways,

The Bears front office has to be absolutely furious with this.

The post Matt Ryan has made a shocking admission regarding Ian Cunningham hire appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears seem to have finally found a head coach that can lead them into an era of consistent competitiveness, something they have not had for decades. Ben Johnson, in his first year as head coach, led one of the most impressive turnarounds in the NFL. After taking over a Bears team that went 5-12 in 2024, Johnson led Chicago to an 11-6 record in 2025.

The Bears won the NFC North, were the second seed in the NFC, and knocked the Green Bay Packers out of the NFL Playoffs.

Meanwhile, his predecessors have left their 2025 NFL jobs. One of them, though, just landed his next gig.

Former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy has been hired by the New York Giants

Matt Eberflus was fired midway through the 2024 NFL season by Chicago. He was also recently fired as the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. He is still looking for his next NFL job.

Matt Nagy, however, did not sign a contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs. Now he is being hired as the new offensive coordinator of the New York Giants:

ESPN Sources: Giants are hiring former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy as their offensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/Yxh8Z1qXmP

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 3, 2026

After being let go by the Bears following the 2021 NFL season, Nagy was hired by the Kansas City Chiefs as a senior offensive assistant in 2022. In 2023, the Chiefs promoted him to offensive coordinator, and won two Super Bowl titles during that time.

Of course, he had also been the offensive coordinator of the Chiefs prior to coming to Chicago in the first place. He served in that role from 2016-2017.

As a result of Nagy leaving Kansas City this off-season, the Chiefs decided to replace him with Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy. Prior to joining Johnson in Chicago, Bieniemy had worked with Kansas City from 2013-2022.

More Chicago Bears news from ChiCity Sports

• NFL rumors: Bears see disgruntled 5x Pro Bowler named as top trade target
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For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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Despite the Chicago Bears coming one game short of reaching the NFC Conference Championship game after losing 20-17 in overtime in the Divisional Round to the Los Angeles Rams, the Bears can hold their heads high knowing they did better than expected.

More News: Chicago Bears Could Improve Defense With National Champion Linebacker

With great play from their second-year quarterback Caleb Williams (3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns) and having first-year head coach Ben Johnson as his mentor, the Bears have a solid foundation heading into next season. Another part of that foundation, and another standout from last season, was first-round pick (10th overall) tight end Colston Loveland, who surpassed expectations for this season.

Loveland did so well in his first season in the NFL, catching 713 yards and six touchdowns, that he was named the Bears’ Rookie of the Year, per Bears.com. The Bears’ seventh-round and rookie running back, Kyle Monangai, could have also been considered for the award after rushing for 783 yards and five touchdowns.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson loves what Colston Loveland brings to the team

A product of the University of Michigan, Loveland came into the draft with a shoulder injury, which didn’t sway Johnson or the Bears from taking the Idaho native, with Johnson loving Loveland’s work ethic.

“When we drafted him, he was still coming off the injury,” Johnson said to Bears.com. “He really missed the springtime, and in training camp you’re trying to be smart in terms of how you’re acclimating him not just to the offense, but physically making sure his shoulder is good to go. It did take a little bit of time before we built that trust with him. So, a little bit of a slower start early in the year, and then it’s just kind of picked up and it’s clicked for us. He’s one of the first ones in the building every single day. He is always studying his playbook while he’s eating breakfast. He is always the last one off the practice field, doing the JUGS machine. Model of consistency, which for a rookie speaks volumes. As a coaching staff I know we really believe in him, and he is really just scratching the surface of what he’s going to become.”

Loveland had two standout games from last season, with 1. Coming in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he caught a career-high (regular season) 118 yards and two touchdowns, and 2. In the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers, receiving for 137 yards.

With a year under his belt and heading into his second season, Loveland has a chance to be better in his sophomore season. Continuing to grow a rapport with Williams, the Bears are likely the favorites to repeat as champions of the NFC North next season.

The post Chicago Bears first-round draft pick from 2025 wins ROTY appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have now lost a very valuable asset to their front office staff. Assistant general manager Ian Cunningham was hired by the Atlanta Falcons to serve as their general manager on Thursday.

More news: Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles gives worrying update on Ozzy Trapilo for 2026 season

After multiple years of being a finalist for GM jobs, Cunningham will be leaving the Bears to report directly under legendary quarterback and new Falcons president of football operations Matt Ryan.

Unfortunately for Bears general manager Ryan Poles, the team has now received some brutal news regarding the 2026 NFL draft due to Cunningham’s exit.

The Chicago Bears will not be receiving compensatory draft picks for 2026

More news:Chicago Bears lose Ian Cunningham to Atlanta Falcons GM position

According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, the Bears will not receive the two third-round compensatory draft picks that are given from the NFL.

This is reportedly because the NFL league office does not consider the Falcons GM job a “primary football executive job” according to Jones.

Jones states that the NFL considers the Falcons GM job a “secondary position” due to Cunningham reporting directly to Ryan, the head of football operations.

“The general manager role in Atlanta is like most other GM gigs across the league with one exception: this job is not what the league office considers the “primary football executive” position. Cunningham is considered a secondary football executive who reports to Ryan, the PFE as designated by the team and league office.”

It was also reported by Jones that the Bears front office knew they would not receive these draft picks for a while, but allowed Cunningham to still interview for the job.

For the past few years, the NFL has given teams compensatory draft picks if a minority front office member or coach took roles at general manager or as a head coach.

Unfortunately for the Bears, they have somehow managed to lose out on two draft picks thanks to the NFL.

The post Chicago Bears get brutal draft news following Cunningham exit appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears spent the better part of three decades on the wrong end of their rivalry with the Green Bay Packers. However, with the arrival of Ben Johnson came a mental toughness and edge that, frankly, the Packers could not match in 2025. Chicago split the regular season series against Green Bay 1-1, but beat them 31-27 in an incredible comeback in the NFL Playoffs.

And so far this offseason, the Bears saw the Packers lose their defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to the Miami Dolphins. Additionally, Green Bay is looking to Chicago’s staff (Al Harris) to fill the void that he left.

Furthermore, the most “controversial” thing that any Bears player as done this offseason was Caleb Williams attending a Chicago Blackhawks game right after the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Meanwhile, the Packers have had one of their players arrested.

Chicago Bears rival Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker arrested on gun charges

According to multiple reports, Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker was arrested in New York City last night on gun charges. Apparently, he tried to check in a bag that contained a firearm and ammunition.

Packers LT Rasheed Walker was arrested Friday morning at LaGuardia Airport in New York after he tried to check in a bag that contained a firearm. https://t.co/OkK2QxRuaT

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2026

Per ESPN:

“Walker, 25, was taken into custody and charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm, according to the New York Post. He appeared in Queens County Criminal Court on the gun charge and was released later Friday.

“According to the Post, citing a criminal complaint, Walker told an airline employee that his bag contained a locked box holding a handgun. Port Authority Police, after being alerted by the employee, searched Walker’s bag and found a 9mm Glock pistol along with 36 rounds of ammo in the locked box.

“Walker’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, told the Post that the gun was legally licensed in Wisconsin and that Walker didn’t know he couldn’t travel with it in New York.”

Walker is slated to hit free agency this offseason and, even before this arrest, Green Bay was not expected to bring him back.

He performed especially poorly against the Bears in the NFL Playoffs, being flagged twice for holding. He also gave up six quarterback pressures and two hits on the quarterback.

More Chicago Bears news from ChiCity Sports

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For More Chicago Sports

Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Robin Adams via email at robadams14@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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Despite being one of the best wide receivers since debuting in 2014, Davante Adams has never been to a Super Bowl.

More News: Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles gives worrying update on Ozzy Trapilo for 2026 season

Adams and the Los Angeles Rams are one win away from him playing in his first career Super Bowl, which he called a “mythical thing.”

“Just having been here so many times and understanding exactly what it takes to get where we’re ultimately trying to go,” Adams said Wednesday, via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “It’s obviously exciting to achieve the minor goals along the way that you ultimately need to do to get where you want to be, but yeah, [getting to a Super Bowl] just feels like almost like a mythical thing to me at this point. It’s tough not to think about that one,” Adams said. “A loss like that will last a long time. And we’ve got an opportunity to change that now. Being back in a position where you’re with a great team and in a great situation, you definitely have a greater appreciation for times like this for sure,” he said.

Davante Adams was a non-factor in the Rams’ win over the Chicago Bears, which could affect his confidence

In the Rams’ 20-17 overtime win over the Bears, Adams was a non-factor, posting a pedestrian 24 yards (two receptions) and scoring no touchdowns. Adams’ inability to be a viable option after the Bears locked down Puka Nacua (56 yards on five receptions) may affect his confidence heading into the game against Seattle.

Davante Adams needs to continue being a solid No. 2 option for Rams QB Matthew Stafford

With Puka Nacua being the No. 1 option in head coach Sean McVay’s offense, Adams has provided Stafford with a sturdy second option when Nacua isn’t open, catching for 789 yards (60 receptions) and 14 touchdowns. In the Rams’ two playoff wins, Adams was a non-factor, catching no touchdowns with a total of 96 yards (seven receptions).

The Rams are facing the best passing defense (128.0 yards) in the Seattle Seahawks after the Houston Texans got knocked out (127.5 yards). Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald shut down the San Francisco 49ers’ offense in the Divisional Round, allowing no touchdowns and holding them to 252 total yards, which could happen against another top offensive team (375.5 yards) like the Rams.

Though Matthew Stafford is the likely NFL MVP (4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns) and can navigate a defense like the Seahawks’, Adams’ veteran savvy could help him break free of the Seahawks’ defensive backs and possibly lead the Rams to the Super Bowl.

The post Rams WR Davante Adams remains calm under pressure, with his focus being, win a SB appeared first on ChiCitySports.

It looks like Matt LeFleur and the Green Bay Packers are trying to find a new way to get revenge on Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears.

More news: Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson confused DJ Moore on interception: Report

The Packers are currently searching for a new defensive coordinator due to Jeff Hafley leaving to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

And according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, LeFleur might be trying to poach one of the Bears’ top assistant coaches.

The Green Bay Packers are interviewing a top Chicago Bears assistant coach

According to ESPN’s top NFL insider, the Packers interviewed Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris on Wednesday, for their opening at defensive coordinator.

Packers interviewed defensive backs coach Al Harris today for their defensive coordinator job.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2026

Harris was a key factor to the Bears’ success during their magical 2025 season. The Bears’ secondary led the NFL in takeaways. Safety Kevin Byard led the NFL with 7 interceptions under Harris.

Nashon Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon all contributed to the Bears’ success thanks to Harris’ coaching.

It has been widely speculated that Harris would have a good chance at leaving the Bears for a defensive coordinator job, it looks like that it’s one step closer to happening.

Harris leaving Johnson’s staff for the NFC North rival Packers would be a massive blow to the Bears. However, him leaving for the Packers does make sense as he played for the them for multiple seasons during his playing career.

Harris was a two time pro bowl defensive back during his career and was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame as well.

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After the Chicago Bears took care of business by defeating the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round (31-27), they will turn their focus to the Los Angeles Rams to try to advance to their first Conference Championship game since 2010.

More News: Draymond Green Doesn’t Hold Back About Bears QB Caleb Williams

Facing the likely MVP in quarterback Matthew Stafford and two great wide receivers, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who Bears’ defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said, “It’s going to take an exceptional effort on our part to give ourselves a chance,” when talking to the Chicago Sun-Times about game planning for the two wideouts.

“You come away from there thoroughly impressed,” Allen said of Nacua. “He runs as fast as he needs to to get the job done. He’s big, he’s physical. He catches everything that’s remotely close to him and he’s tremendous with the run after the catch. I just think he does everything that you want a receiver to be able to do.”

The Chicago Bears and Dennis Allen will have their work cut out for them in containing Puka Nacua and Davante Adams

Allen and the Bears will have their work cut out for them when facing the third-best offense this postseason (411.0 yards) and Stafford (304 yards), who is 57 yards behind Caleb Williams (361 yards) and has just one interception to Williams two. The Bears, sadly, have not performed well when protecting against the pass (second-worst, 322.0 yards), which will need to turn around if they’re to advance.

Nacua is coming off his second 1,000+ yard season in his career (1,715 yards), while Adams proved to be a solid second option for Stafford to turn to (789 yards). Forcing the Rams to run the ball, which has proven to be their weakness so far (fifth, 116.0 yards), should be Allen’s game plan to shut down the Rams’ offense.

The Bears and the Rams will meet on Sunday, Jan. 18, and play at 6:30 Eastern on NBC Peacock.

The post Chicago Bears DC Dennis Allen will need to be ready to take on the Rams’ two elite WRs appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears, after disappointing in the first three quarters of Saturday’s Wild Card matchup with the Green Bay Packers, broke out their comeback magic once again and scored 25 points against the Packers’ six in the fourth quarter to advance to the Divisional Round.

More News: Chicago Bears receive backlash for controversial uniform choice against Packers

Splitting the two head-to-head matchups they had during the regular season, the Bears ultimately got the last laugh when they won when it mattered the most, in the playoffs. Head coach Ben Johnson said after the game about the win, “This one meant something to us.”

“There was probably a little bit more noise coming out of their building up north to start the week, which we heard loud and clear, players and coaches alike,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said to NFL.com’s Michael Baca. “This one meant something to us.”

The Bears completed the largest playoff comeback in franchise history with their win (18 points) and will advance to their first Divisional Round game for the first time since 2010, where they beat the Seattle Seahawks 35-24.

Ben Johnson lives up to his promise of beating the Packers twice a year by celebrating in front of Matt LeFleur

Before getting emotional at the podium, Johnson made sure to show how excited he was living up to his promise to beat Matt LeFleur and the Packers twice a year, quickly shaking his hand and immediately running to embrace his players.

Time to celebrate Ben Johnson pic.twitter.com/oVP58kcXEM

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) January 11, 2026

The Chicago Bears will need to be on their game for the Divisional Round when they play either the Eagles or the Rams

Despite their fourth-quarter magic, the Bears will need to try to win the game against either the Eagles or the 49ers in the first three quarters. The Bears won their game against the Eagles in the regular season, going to Philadelphia in Week 13 and winning 24-15, while they didn’t play the Rams this season.

The Bears will face either leading MVP candidate quarterback Matthew Stafford (4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns) or one of the best defenses in the Eagles (13th, 314.2 yards), which could cause problems if they can’t game-plan well enough to counter the strengths of either team. With the Eagles and 49ers set to play Sunday at 4:25, the Bears will know soon who their next opponent will be.

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After a disappointing loss (19-16) to the Detroit Lions to wrap up the regular season, the Chicago Bears enter their playoff week losers of two straight and have an uneasy feeling heading into their third matchup with divisional opponent, the Green Bay Packers.

More News: The Cowboys make their decision on Matt Eberflus after showing his incompetence

After the loss to the Lions, Bears head coach Ben Johnson issued a challenge to his second-year quarterback, Caleb Williams, to respond to one of the better defenses in the league (12th, 311.8 yards), saying, “We’re going to need him at his best.” In response to his head coach’s challenge, William stated, “I think I’m built for these moments.”

“I think I am built for these moments mentality wise how I’ve worked,” Williams said via the team transcript. “I’ve been in a bunch of big games before and a bunch of big rival games. In those moments and in these moments, I think I can provide a spark for the team. I think I can do whatever my team needs me to do. Whether that’s stay in the pocket, whether that’s run, whether that’s scramble, whether that’s hand the ball off 30 times and be energetic about it. Whatever it takes is where I’m at and where I’m going to be at for these next couple weeks hopefully.”

The Chicago Bears need Caleb Williams to continue to impress in their matchup with the Packers

Splitting their regular-season matchups with the Packers, the Bears will need Williams to continue to shine and show his clutch factor for them to get a win. In their two meetings this season, Williams threw for a total of 436 yards (38-69) and four touchdowns, while throwing just one interception.

The worst part of the Packers’ defense is their rushing attack (18th, 117.7 yards), which could nullify running backs D’Andre Swift (1,087 yards) and rookie standout Kyle Monangai (783). The Packers are likely to force Johnson to place the ball in Williams’ hands to see if his fourth-quarter magic can come out in the other three quarters of the game. In the last two minutes of the game/half, Williams has thrown for 563 yards with four touchdowns and one interception.

If Williams can take what he has done well in the last couple of minutes of the game or the half, the Bears could be walking out of their house with a victory.

The post Caleb Williams responds to his HC‘s challenge ahead of their matchup with the Packers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Dallas Cowboys have once again disappointed their fans by going 7-9-1 and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

More News: Former Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace could become next Falcons GM

After switching coaches, trading away their best defensive player, Micah Parsons, and having one of the worst defenses in the NFL under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys are in complete disarray. The Cowboys had the second-best offense (391.9 yards) behind the Los Angeles Rams (394.6 yards), and Eberflus couldn’t back it up, producing the third-worst defense (377.0 yards) in the league.

This failure and the incompetence to put together an adequate defense have led the Cowboys to decide to part ways with Eberflus, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. The Cowboys also had the worst passing defense (251.5 yards) and scoring defense 30.1 points allowed, while their rushing defense (23rd, 125.5 yards) was the best part of the dysfunction. 

Sources: The #Cowboys are firing DC Matt Eberflus.

During his lone season in Dallas, Eberflus’ unit ranked last in several categories — including 3rd down, red zone and passing defense. https://t.co/QQ0UozaFky pic.twitter.com/Vvr3Nh8Il4

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 6, 2026

Matt Eberflus failed to help the Dallas Cowboys improve just as he failed to improve the Chicago Bears

Before taking the defensive coordinator’s role with Dallas, Eberflus had been attempting to lead the Bears to their first winning season since 2018 (12-4), but failed to do so in his three seasons at the helm, with a record of 14-32 (.304 winning percentage). The Bears would eventually decide to move on from Eberflus, firing him after Week 13, after failing to use his final timeout to set up a potential game-tying field goal attempt. Eberflus, in his final season, went 4-8.

Failing in Chicago and now in Dallas doesn’t bode well for Eberflus’s future as a head coach or a coordinator in the NFL. However, with at least six head coaching vacancies and possibly more coordinator positions opening, Eberflus will have options and likely get another chance somewhere else.

The post The Cowboys make their decision on Matt Eberflus after showing his incompetence appeared first on ChiCitySports.

It’s clear that the Chicago Bears’ biggest need going into the 2026 season is an elite pass rusher. Speculation has ran rampant that the team should pursue two time all pro Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders.

More news: Chicago Bears expect wide receiver to be good for regular season finale

It now looks like that the Raiders might be willing to trade the five time pro bowl star.

According to Dianna Russini of the Athletic, league sources around the NFL now believe that the Raiders would be open to trading Crosby during the 2026 offseason.

For the first time, league sources believe the Raiders would be open to moving Maxx Crosby this offseason.

The relationship between the two sides remains strained after the five-time Pro Bowler was shut down for the season: https://t.co/umvZZLtpZF pic.twitter.com/q9COsQwW22

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 3, 2026

The Raiders shut Crosby down for the final two games of the 2025 season, despite him wanting to play. This has led to a strained relationship between the all-pro defensive end and a rebuilding Raiders team.

It was reported last week that Crosby was frustrated over being shut down and he left the team facility after being told he would be put on injured reserve. He then posted a video on his instagram page playing basketball, despite reports of him “needing surgery”. This was potentially posted a shot at Raiders management.

With the star defensive end having a chance at being traded, it’s a no brainer that the Bears should swing for the fences.

The Chicago Bears now have a potential chance to turn the team into an instant Super Bowl contender

More news: Chicago Bears injury report for Week 18 showdown with Detroit Lions

If Ryan Poles wants to give the Bears an elite pass rush, he must swing for the fences and attempt to trade for Crosby.

The Bears’ lack of pressures and sacks has became the biggest weakness on the team. The struggles on defensive line is what effectively costed them the win over the San Fransisco 49ers in week 17’s shootout loss.

Bringing in a mega star like Crosby would instantly boost Montez Sweat and Austin Booker, making it easier for them to get to the quarterback as well.

Despite it being a hefty asking price, the Bears have a real possibility to go for Crosby. The likely price would cost multiple first and second round picks, and possibly a player as well.

However, bringing in an elite player like Crosby would turn the Bears into an instant Super Bowl contender for 2026 and beyond.

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The Chicago Bears will likely be lining up across from a familiar face Sunday afternoon against the Cleveland Browns.

As Cleveland continues to try to find the right combination of offensive linemen in front of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, former Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins is in line to make his second start of the season at Soldier Field.

Jenkins, 27, got the start last Sunday afternoon in the Browns’ 31-29 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Inside former Chicago Bears lineman Teven Jenkins’ 2025 season

So far this season, Jenkins has appeared in 13 games, including making his first start of the 2025 campaign against the Titans.

According to Pro Football Focus, Jenkins has allowed four pressures and one quarterback hit, in 77 pass-blocking snaps so far this season.

“I rotated Teven throughout the game. I wanted to see Teven in this game,” Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski recently told reporters, when he started working Jenkins into the rotation when Cleveland played the San Francisco 49ers. “You know, obviously want to always get our guys as many reps as we can.”

Cleveland signed Jenkins to a one-year deal worth just over $3 million, after he became a bit of the odd-man-out amid the Bears’ offensive line overhaul that included trading for All-Pro Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as signing Drew Dalman in the early days of free agency.

Jenkins spent the first four seasons of his career in a Bears uniform, after being chosen by Chicago in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, out of Oklahoma State, with the No. 39 overall pick.

The post Former Chicago Bears starter could get the nod against his former team appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears hold sole possession of the top spot in the NFC North standings (9-3) and are hoping to win the division for the first time since 2018.

More News: Ben Johnson drops telling quote regarding Chicago Bears remaining schedule

When asked about how he feels about being in first place for the first time in nearly a decade, Johnson said, “It doesn’t mean anything.”

“It doesn’t mean anything,” Johnson said, via the team’s official transcript. “There are five games left, so we’ve got a long ways to go, and we have not been guaranteed a spot in the tournament yet. We have to earn that. And the only way you can earn that right is by finding a way to win the next game. So that’s where our sole focus is.”

Winners of five straight, the Bears play their divisional opponent, the Green Bay Packers (8-3-1), in Week 14, which Johnson described as “a big week.”

“It’s a big week. We know how important this rivalry is,” Johnson said to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “…Two of the most winning franchises in the NFL, and I think that continues to be the case. So, it’s a big one.”

The Chicago Bears have a chance to stun the Packers and continue their winning streak

The Bears have one of the best offenses in the NFL (sixth, 374.3 yards per game) and have had a dominant running game this season between their two backs, D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. The Bears rank second in rushing (153.8 yards per game) behind the Buffalo Bills (155.7).

Facing the eighth-ranked rushing defense in the Packers (98.3 yards), the Bears will likely game plan to utilize Swift and Monangai once again, as they combined for 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns in their Black Friday matchup against the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.

With their defense allowing less than 30 points in their last four out of five games, their running game firing on all cylinders, and quarterback Caleb Williams throwing for 1,086 yards and eight touchdowns with one interception during this winning streak, the Bears have a good chance to pull out a victory over the Packers.

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The 7-3 Chicago Bears will look to stay on top of the NFC North with a pivotal game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Week 12’s game begins the toughest stretch of the season for the Bears.

More news: Ben Johnson says rising Chicago Bears wide receiver has “earned” his playing time

However, there’s another major storyline going into Sunday’s game. And that’s Aaron Rodgers. The former Green Bay Packer left last week’s game early with an injury on his left wrist. It was reported it was a fracture and it seemed he could be out for his return to Soldier Field.

It was then reported that the injury does not require surgery. And as we all expected, Rodgers is pushing to play on Sunday. It’s obvious due to his long standing history with the Bears that he wants to play against them one last time at Soldier Field, with him being on the tail end of his career.

Members of the Bears’ defense have made it clear that they want to play against the quarterback as well.

The Chicago Bears’ defense are hoping to play against Aaron Rodgers on Sunday

More news: Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard has officially become a superstar

Kevin Byard, the current NFL leader in interceptions said that “everyone on the defense wants to play Aaron Rodgers, and I expect him to be there”.  Byard spoke to the media following Wednesday’s practice.

"Everybody on this defense and this team wants to play Aaron Rodgers, and I expect him to be there."

Kevin Byard III on facing Aaron Rodgers pic.twitter.com/dlGKPo3Tmt

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) November 19, 2025

Byard also mentioned that the team is indeed preparing for Rodgers to start on Sunday. The Bears’ team captain said he has a lot of respect for the future hall of fame quarterback. He also went on to praise Rodgers for his arm talent and his ability to not be sacked, even at a late stage in his career.

With Rodgers’ history against Chicago, it’s obvious that the team will want to go up against him. The former Green Bay quarterback has a 24-5 record against the Bears.

Regardless of who is at quarterback Sunday, this is still a very crucial game for the Bears. The defense needs to come out firing and get takeaways in order to give the Bears their eighth win of the season.

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The Chicago Bears are riding high off another comeback win over the Minnesota Vikings to move to 7-3 overall and sole possession of first place. With Chicago right in the playoff mix, they return home to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12.

And they could be facing an old nemesis.

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is now the signal caller for Pittsburgh who are 6-4 and atop the AFC North. Rodgers is set to make his return to Soldier Field, a place he’s 12-3 all-time. However, Rodgers did suffer an injury in the Week 11 win over Cincinnati.

Rodgers left the game and the team confirmed it was a fractured left wrist. It was initially thought that Mason Rudolph would get the start. Now, Rodgers is reportedly pushing to play.

Aaron Rodgers wants to face the Chicago Bears

Per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Aaron Rodgers underwent further tests Monday that confirmed he won’t need surgery on his fractured left wrist. In addition, Rodgers is now pushing to play in Chicago on Sunday in Week 12. 

Pelissero notes that doctors must clear him and his status moving forward is TBD.

Rodgers pushing to play is interesting. As I mentioned above, he’s had success at Soldier Field with the 12-3 overall record. He’s also 11-1 at Soldier Field since 2011.

Overall, Rodgers is a 26-5 record against the Bears over 15 seasons, and had the infamous “I own you” clip in hsi final start for the Packers at Soldier Field. The Bears would love the chance to get some payback especially if Rodgers truly is ‘pushing’ to play.

While Rodgers may not be in Green Bay anymore, the Bears’ franchise is still very familiar with what he did in his time with the Packers here. Getting a win not only would feel good but help their playoff chances as well.

Afterall, this could be his final appearance at the stadium in his career.

I guess we will wait and see.

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The New York Jets will be going in a different direction at quarterback in 2026, but have already seen enough of former Chicago Bears first-round pick Justin Fields.

Monday, following the Jets’ loss to the New England Patriots in Week 11, on Thursday night football, head coach Aaron Glenn and New York are benching Fields, in favor of veteran Tyrod Taylor, according to multiple reports.

Fields has struggled in recent games, and now heads to the bench after completing only 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,259 yards with seven touchdowns to one interception but leading a severely limited offense.

Justin Fields, the New York Jets’ passing game was grounded this season

Through the first 11 weeks of the NFL season, the Jets’ passing offense ranked dead-last in the league, averaging just 139.9 yards in an era where the vertical passing games have become the driving force of NFL offenses.

There are only six teams that have posted fewer passing touchdowns than the Jets’ 11 so far this season.

Fields’ 2025 campaign is a low-water mark in a career that has never quite lived up to his billing as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

After spending his first three seasons with the Bears, passing for 6,674 yards with 40 passing touchdowns to 30 interceptions, while adding 14 rushing touchdowns, Chicago traded Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2024 season, where he started six games before departing as a free agent this past spring.

Fields’ benching is an altogether predictable but stunning outcome, given that his poor play didn’t come close to meeting the expectations of the two-year contract, worth $40 million that included $30 million guaranteed the Jets signed him to.

Beginning Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, Fields will be a spectator with Taylor taking the helm of the offense.

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The Chicago Bears will look to get improve to 7-3 and get their first divisional win on the season this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. This is a major game for the Bears regarding their chase for the playoffs. A win could potentially put them in sole possession of first place in the NFC North and could lower the Vikings’ chances of making the playoffs significantly.

More news:Ben Johnson gives encouraging injury update on top Chicago Bears defensive players

The team will be looking to avenge their week one loss to Minnesota. In order to take care of the Vikings on Sunday, the Bears must take care of a tough Vikings defense led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

It now looks like that there is a chance the Vikings could be without one of their top pass rushers for Week 11.

The Chicago Bears’ offensive line could catch a break with Johnathan Greenard being questionable for Sunday

More news: New York Giants radio announces give horrific takes on Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams

According to Alec Lewis of the Athletic, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told the media that the edge rusher will not practice Wednesday. Greenard is now listed as questionable for Sunday’s crucial NFC North matchup.

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell also said edge rusher Jonathan Greenard won't participate today in practice.

"I'd put him in that questionable category."

Said he still thinks Greenard will have a chance for Sunday vs. Bears, but deferring to medical.

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) November 12, 2025

Greenard currently has 36 pressures on the season. That’s the 15th best among all edge rushers according to Pro Football Focus. He also has two sacks and a forced fumble as well.

This could be a nice break for the Bears’ offensive line, in particular Darnell Wright. The Bears’ right tackle is in the midst of his best season yet and has the potential to make his first Pro Bowl with how well he’s been playing.

Minnesota has a very tough blitz heavy defense. Caleb Williams and the offense must prepare for the pressure the Vikings will try to give them.

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The Chicago Bears won their second straight victory against the New York Giants on Sunday in a come-from-behind win led by quarterback Caleb Williams.

More News: Chicago Bears: Instant takeaways from another comeback victory

Despite being down 20-10 with under four minutes remaining in the game, Williams propelled the Bears to victory with his arm and his legs, proving once again that the moment doesn’t get too big for him.

Caleb Williams has been effective when the Chicago Bears have been behind

Throwing a two-yard touchdown to wide receiver Rome Odunze to get the Bears within three (20-17) with 3:56 left on the clock, Williams would run the ball into the endzone two minutes later (1:47) to seal their victory 24-20. Williams would finish the day with 63 yards rushing on eight carries and throwing for 220 yards (20-for-36).

According to Pro Football Focus, when the Bears are trailing, Williams has been the one to lead them to a victory, throwing for 1,306 yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions, while having a 72.3% adjusted completion rate.

Caleb Williams when trailing this season:

72.3% adjusted completion rate
1,306 total yards
11 total TDs
2 INTs pic.twitter.com/1UfyA7xJ0f

— PFF (@PFF) November 10, 2025

The Bears are in contention for the NFC North

Thanks to Williams and their new head coach, Ben Johnson, the Bears are back to being competitive after finishing last season seven games under .500 (5-12). Tied for second with the Detroit Lions (6-3), the Bears are trying to win the NFC North for the first time since 2018. The Bears went 12-4 and lost in the Wild Card Round to the Philadelphia Eagles.

With four more matchups with their divisional opponents remaining, the Bears need to keep this consistent play going to win the division and make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

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The Chicago Bears are 6-3 with first-year head coach Ben Johnson after securing a 24-20 comeback win over the New York Giants in Week 10.

More News: Bears lose pass rusher for Giants game

The win was the second in a row for the Bears. While wins over the Cincinnati Bengals and Giants have Chicago as the No. 7 seed in the NFC (as of this publishing ), the team has a tough schedule upcoming in the month, including contests against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Green Bay Packers.

Johnson’s former team, the Detroit Lions, are not feeling good about their prospects in Week 10. The NFC’s No. 1 seed last season has lost two of its last three contests before playing the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

The Detroit Lions are in full meltdown mode

More News: Bears’ Ben Johnson puts Pro Bowl starter on notice

Per Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network, Lions players and coaches are in full meltdown mode with new offensive coordinator John Morton. Detroit head coach Dan Campbell is calling plays.

“HC Dan Campbell has a play sheet and is doing the talking into the headset in between plays,” Garafolo posted on X. “Lots of indications of a disconnect between OC John Morton and the players and coaches. Campbell appears to have taken over offensive play calling, which he indicated was possible.”

#Lions HC Dan Campbell has a play sheet and is doing the talking into the headset in between plays. Lots of indications of a disconnect between OC John Morton and the players and coaches. Campbell appears to have taken over offensive play calling, which he indicated was possible. pic.twitter.com/WccBVehNCa

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 9, 2025

Miss Ben Johnson yet?

The Lions offense looked okay in Week 2 when they thumped the Bears 52-21 at Ford Field.

However, Detroit is trending downward in November, and the players dearly miss Johnson calling plays. They appear broken with Morton.

Chicago’s next game against the Lions could have playoff implications. The Bears will host Detroit on Jan. 4.

The Bears should have an advantage with a play caller who’s getting his guys to buy into his program.

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The Chicago Bears play the 2-7 New York Giants in Week 10, who are losers of three straight games, and are without their star rookie running back, Cam Skattebo, who injured his ankle two weeks prior in their game versus the Philadelphia Eagles.

More News: Chicago Bears to workout intriguing free-agent defensive back

The Bears, on the other hand, are coming off one of their better wins of the season, beating the Cincinnati Bengals 47-42, and completely transforming their offense. The Bears’ revamped offense under the tutelage of new head coach Ben Johnson is credited with this transformation and with helping Caleb Williams grow as their franchise quarterback.

Caleb Williams says the Chicago Bears’ offense has a “different vibe” thanks to Ben Johnson

Rated as the third-best offense in the NFL (378.4 yards) and the second-best when running the ball (144.4 yards), Williams said of the Bears’ transformation under Johnson that it was like a “different vibe” this season and they’re doing better in close games this season compared to last.

“I think it’s just a different year, different vibe,” quarterback Caleb Williams said to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. “I think we’ve done a good job in some of those games; I would say that last year we didn’t do a good job in close games, tight games. I think we’ve won those games, and now we need to get to the point where we’re hitting on all cylinders as a team, all three phases of football, to be able to go out there and put up a lot of points and keep the other side with the least amount of points possible.”

Johnson agreed with Williams’ assessment about the Bears losing in close games last season, adding that they’re looking to “change the narrative” and still need to “develop that killer instinct” to continue to get better.

“This particular team in years past would find ways to lose games, and now we’re finding ways to win games,” Johnson said. “So I think they’re looking to change that narrative. Now that we’ve done that, we’ve got to continue to develop that killer instinct. We’re going to continue to get better there. But I think it’s a really good group.

“I can’t say enough good things about our locker room. We really have zero issues with discipline or anything of that nature. These guys just want to come out and play ball and win games and be there for their teammates. Usually, you’ve got some bad apples in there, but we really don’t. We have just a really strong locker room.”

Caleb Williams is off to a better sophomore season for the Bears

After throwing for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns and four interceptions in 17 games in his rookie season, Williams is off to a great start in his sophomore campaign, ranking 12th in passing yards (1,916) and 18th in touchdowns (12). Williams is coming off one of his best performances of this season, throwing for three touchdowns and 280 yards (20-34), while adding 53 yards rushing on five carries against the Bengals, which should help when facing a Giants team that ranks 29th in the league in total defense (382.1 yards).

The Bears and Williams could be in store for another high-scoring game against the Giants. Along with Williams, rookie running back Kyle Monangai could be a factor in this Sunday’s matchup, coming off a career game against the Bengals, rushing for 176 yards on 26 carries. The Giants have the second-worst rushing defense (31st) in the league, and allowed 159 yards rushing to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9.

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The Chicago Bears are coming off one of their toughest wins of the season, where they won 47-42 against a Cincinnati Bengals team that saw 40-year-old veteran quarterback Joe Flacco throw for 470 yards and four touchdowns, proving to be not enough to outmatch Caleb Williams and the Bears in the end.

More News: Chicago Bears make NFL history in 47-42 win over the Bengals

Sitting at 5-3 through the first nine weeks of the season, the Bears, under their new head coach, Ben Johnson, have completely turned their offense around, going from the worst in the league last season to one of the top three in the NFL.

The Chicago Bears completely transformed their offense within a year

Going from the worst-rated offense (32nd at 283.5 yards per game) and in the bottom five (28th) for points per game (18.2), the Bears under Johnson are now a top-three offense in the league (third, 378.4 yards per game) and scoring the sixth most points per game (26.9), according to FOX Sports: NFL.

The Bears also have the second-best rushing defense in the game (144.4 yards) and are tied for eighth with the New England Patriots in third-down offense (42.9%). The one downside of their offense has been in the Red Zone, where they rank 25th (51.7%) in conversion rate.

What a turnaround it's been for the Chicago offense this season pic.twitter.com/65ZYqc1ifP

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 5, 2025

The Bears will have their offense tested over the next couple of weeks

Playing the New York Giants, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the next few weeks, the Bears will have their offense tested, with the Steelers (27.0) and the Giants (21.0) ranking high in sacks. The Giants, especially having one of the top players at getting after the quarterback, in linebacker Brian Burns (first at 11.0).

Throwing for 1,916 yards (12th in the league) and 12 touchdowns (18th) and four interceptions, Williams has done better with lowering his sack total for this season, having 14 this season after being one of the more sacked quarterbacks (68) in the league last season. Continuing to block and protect Williams so he can find his open receivers and utilize his legs will further help the Bears stack up wins in the second half of this season.

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The Chicago Bears got back into the win column with a victory over Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals, in what proved to be a slugfest. With Flacco throwing for a career high 470 yards and four touchdowns, Caleb Williams and the Bears proved to be just a little better, scoring a season high 47 points en route to their fifth win of the season.

More News: C.J. Gardner-Johnson to make debut for Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears make NFL history in their win over the Bengals

Despite the defense allowing 42 points to a Bengals team that hadn’t scored 40 or more points till this week, the Bears’ offense showed they were up to the task of matching them.

The Bears made NFL history by having a player with three or more touchdown passes (Williams), another player with one or more passing and rushing touchdowns (DJ Moore), and a third player with 150+ yards rushing (Kyle Monangai), according to OptaSTATS.

The @ChicagoBears are the first team in NFL history to have a player with 3+ pass TD (Caleb Williams), another player with 1+ pass TD and 1+ rush TD (DJ Moore) and a third player with 150+ rush yards (Kyle Monangai). pic.twitter.com/P7owNT5Pio

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) November 2, 2025

RB Kyle Monangai showed why he deserves more carries

Even though Williams stole the show with his three touchdowns and 280 passing yards (20/34), while adding 53 yards on the ground on five carries, 22 receiving yards, and catching a touchdown, Kyle Monangai has a case to be the runner-up for Player of the Game. The rookie and former seventh-round pick (233 overall) had a career game, rushing for 176 yards on 26 carries after his previous high had been 81 yards in Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints.

Monangai’s 176 rushing yards are the most by a Bears running back since Matt Forte in 2011, according to StatMuse.

Kyle Monangai vs Bengals:

26 carries
176 rushing yards

The most rushing yards by a Bears RB since Matt Forte in 2011. pic.twitter.com/mtFInsenzf

— StatMuse (@statmuse) November 2, 2025

With D’Andre Smith sidelined with a groin injury, it is unknown when he’ll return to the Bears lineup, which could lead head coach Ben Johnson to give Monangai more snaps for the matchup against the New York Giants.

The post Chicago Bears make NFL history in 47-42 win over the Bengals appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Since being traded for a sixth-round pick in 2024, former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has continued to struggle. Now on his third team, Fields is at risk of being benched. Fields has had a very rough season with the New York Jets. The quarterback is in the midst of a seven-game losing streak and has yet to win a game.

More news: Three takeaways from the Chicago Bears fourth straight win

The former Chicago Bear has struggled throwing the football this season and only has four passing touchdowns on the year, with only 845 passing yards. Unfortunately for Fields, the owner of his team has ripped him apart in a new interview.

Jets owner Woody Johnson slammed Fields’ quarterback play when asked about his thoughts on the team.

The former Chicago Bears QB might have officially lost his starting job in New York

More news: The Chicago Bears defense has turned it around

Johnson ripped Fields for his inaccuracy, stating that “if we can just complete a pass, it would look good”.

Via Ari Meirov on X:

#Jets owner Woody Johnson: "It’s hard when you have a quarterback with the rating that we’ve got. … If you look at any head coach with a quarterback like that, you’re going to see similar results. …If we can just complete a pass, it would look good." pic.twitter.com/5fN0dsVEUl

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 21, 2025

Fields has thrown under 50 passing yards in back-to-back games. Fields was benched in favor of veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor during the Jets’ 13-6 loss to the Panthers. The former first-round draft pick was signed to a 2-year 40 million contract with the Jets this past offseason, replacing Aaron Rodgers.

During his three years in Chicago, Fields showed flashes of potential but failed to live up to his potential. The former Bear struggled with his passing accuracy, taking sacks, and missing open throws. Fields has unfortunately dealt with multiple years of bad coaching and bad offensive line play; however, he has had many chances to turn his career around.

With the owner of the Jets having zero faith in his quarterback, it seems that Fields’ time as a starting quarterback could be all but over.

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The Chicago Bears offense took a positive step in their 31-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. Quarterback Caleb Williams was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Dallas.

How much was the Bears being good and how much was Dallas being bad is unknown early in the season. Russell Wilson had a big week against the Cowboys in Week 2 but has already been benched for rookie Jaxson Dart in Week 4 after a poor performance against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.

Williams and the Bears offense are going to need to show consistency against the Raiders to prove they’re ready to turn a corner.

Chicago Bears have big concern ahead of Raiders game

During his news conference on Wednesday, Bears head coach Ben Johnson noted one concern the offense has in Week 4: Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.

“Ben Johnson opens his Wednesday press conference talking about the Raiders pass rush and Maxx Crosby,” posted ESPN’s Courtney Cronin on X. “Called him a top 5 defensive player in the NFL who doesn’t get some of the recognition he deserves. ‘He wrecks drives. That’s what he does.'”

Ben Johnson opens his Wednesday press conference talking about the Raiders pass rush and Maxx Crosby. Called him a top 5 defensive player in the NFL who doesn't get some of the recognition he deserves. "He wrecks drives. That’s what he does."

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 24, 2025

Through three games this season, Crosby has recorded 2 sacks and 14 total tackles this season. The Bears offensive line will need to prepare to block the four-time Pro Bowl nominee, or he could be a key reason why Williams and the offense have to look for answers like they did after Week 1 and Week 2.

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has become the third NFC North quarterback to be awarded for their performance in the early season. Per the NFL, Williams was named as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his incredible showing in the Bears’ 31-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams earned an award for Week 3

Williams went 19-of-28 passing for 298 yards and four touchdown passes (a career high). He led the league in touchdown passes for Week 3. Williams became the first Bears quarterback to NFC Offensive Player of the Week since Justin Fields won it during the 2022 season.

He also became the eighth former USC quarterback to win the award.

NFC Players of the Week! (Week 3) @CALEBcsw | @rodgers_isaiah | @Swaggidavis | @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/yZ6rR4xVWo

— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2025

Williams has made progress in each of his last two starts for the Bears. After a frustrating outing against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1, Williams showed poise in the pocket, but ultimately came up short in the Bears’ 52-21 loss to the Detroit Lions. However, he took advantage of the Cowboys’ issues on defense in Week 3, helping to give first-year head coach Ben Johnson his first win in Chicago.

Williams had to watch as the Bears defense allowed J.J. McCarthy and Jared Goff to earn NFC Player of the Week awards in Week 1 and Week 2. In Week 3, Williams grabbed the award for himself, and he had a good opportunity to keep the momentum rolling into the bye when the Bears take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4.

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After the absence of cornerback Kyler Gordon was noticeable in the Chicago Bears loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 2, the defensive reserves stood up and played a great game to give the Bears their first win of the season over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The Bears were also without linebacker T.J. Edwards on Sunday, who missed  Week 1 with a hamstring injury but did play in Week 2.

The Bears chose not to put Edwards and Gordon on injured reserve before Week 1, hinting that they should be available to play against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune cautioned fans that they may not have a huge impact if they do return for Sunday, suggesting they could be on a “snap count” against the Raiders.

Chicago Bears Insider Bradd Biggs provides updates on T.J. Edwards and Kyler Gordon

“I think they will be limited when they return to the practice field,” Biggs said on 670 The Score’s “Mully & Haugh Show “on Tuesday. “They’re going to try to ramp them up. You’d wonder if, when they get to a game, there’ll be some type of snap count.

“I know they’re optimistic that both of those players will be back soon. I think the question is whether or not soon is defined as Sunday or after the buy, which would be at Washington. So, but it’ll be soon. Otherwise, they would have landed on IR, and they could use all the help they can get right now. Right?”

.@BradBiggs shares the latest injury updates on Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards and cornerback Kyler Gordon.

“They’re optimistic that both of those players will be back soon,” Biggs says. “I think the question is whether soon is defined as Sunday or after the bye.” pic.twitter.com/iMVVBXMVDm

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) September 23, 2025

The absences of Jaylon Johnson,  Gordon, and a limited Edwards were huge when the Bears gave up 73 points in five quarters during their losses to the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. The Bears were fortunate to get the best of the Cowboys on Sunday, but they could use reinforcements against the Raiders on Sunday.

Even a snap count is preferable to missing Sunday, but the Bears need Gordon and Edwards back to 100 % ASAP if they want to contend for a playoff spot.

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Tyrique Stevenson struggled during the first weeks of the season, but played a key role in the Chicago Bears 31-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. Sevenson took the ball away from Cowboys running back Javonte Williams on Dallas’ opening drive that appeared threatening.

Stevenson had his best game of the season in coverage in Week 3. The Bears are going to need to rely on the third-year cornerback to play like that in the coming weeks, with Jaylon Johnson headed to injured reserve with a groin injury.

Chicago Bears Insider Brad Biggs says Tyrique Stevenson has a lack of consistency

Biggs thinks Stevenson needs to play like he did against the Cowboys for at least the next five games for him to prove he’s taken a leap this season from the flashes of promise he’s shown in years before.

For Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, it isn’t about his talent.

It’s all about consistency, as @BradBiggs told @mullyhaugh. pic.twitter.com/1ZDdIpizgK

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) September 23, 2025

Ben Johnson acknowledged Stevenson’s big game

Following Sunday’s win, Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Stevenson for having a “bounce-back game” against Dallas.

“I thought Tyrique in general had a really nice bounce-back game,” Johnson said. “He’s one of those guys, like a lot of us, we haven’t started the season the way we wanted to yet. He’s capable of being a big-time player in this league, and I thought he played that way today.”

Stevenson will have another opportunity to take the next step when he plays quarterback Geno Smith and the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, a team that doesn’t have a great receiver corps.

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The Chicago Bears entered Week 3 needing a win to save their season. Facing the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, a loss to the Dallas Cowboys would have meant the Bears were looking to head into their early bye with a 1-3 or 0-4 record.

With a convincing 31-14 win over Dallas (following a players-only meeting), the Bears have some momentum heading into their road trip in Las Vegas, and the team is optimistic they can go on a run after a rough start to the season.

A turning point for the Chicago Bears

Following Sunday’s win, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said the team has a strong belief in each other.

“We have so many guys that care,” Williams said. “We always felt that our hard work, our preparation, the long-drive drill, the two-minutes, the moments, the four-minute, situational third downs, those are going to come. I know we started off 0-2, but the belief was still there. The trust was still there. It’s just being able to go out there and do it.”

Head coach Ben Johnson credited the locker room for addressing issues after the embarrassing 52-21 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 2. He thinks the Bears are in a good position after the win.

‘We’re behind the eight ball here,” Johnson said. “We’re 1-2 and we’ve got to get back to .500.”

Per ESPN BET, the Raiders enter the week as 1.5-point favorites over Chicago. However, Las Vegas has issues of its own to fix this week after being humiliated 41-24 by the Washington Commanders and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota.

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The Chicago Bears are in danger of starting the season 0-3 for the second time in three years when they host Matt Eberflus and the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field on Sunday. The Bears should have won in Week 1, but they deserved to be trounced by the Detroit Lions in Week 2.

The Bears are set to be without key defenders T.J. Edwards, Jaylon Johnson, and Kyler Gordon against Dak Prescott and the Cowboys. That’s a concern, because Prescott is playing good football to begin the season.

The Chicago Bears were predicted to lose a heartbreaker

During his appearance on 670 The Score’s “Mully &Haugh Show” this week, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune said he wanted to talk himself into taking the Bears this week, but ultimately has the Cowboys winning in a one-possession contest.

“At the end of the day, I wanted to take (the Bears),” Biggs said. “But considering that, and knowing that the Cowboys have the clear edge and quarterback in terms of experience, production, things of that nature. I mean, you guys heard Ben Johnson…

“Ben Johnson just sort of gushed about Dak Prescott the other day. I’ve got Dallas 35-30. The Bears have lost their last 48 or 49 games. When the opponent has scored 30 or more points. They are more prepared to play in a shootout, right now, with their personnel than they have been. Hopefully, the defense takes a significant step forward.”

The Dallas Cowboys are hard to stop

Biggs doesn’t expect the Bears to play as poorly as they did against Detroit. But he has no trust in the shorthanded defense to stop Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens.

.@BradBiggs tried to talk himself into predicting the Bears to win this Sunday because the opening weeks of the NFL season are full of overreactions, but he thinks their defense is too much of a problem right now.

He's picking the Cowboys to win 35-30. pic.twitter.com/hcc3XsXQsf

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) September 19, 2025

A 35-30 loss would show improvement from Week 2, but it would put a serious damper on the season. Chicago would go 0-3 before playing the Las Vegas Raiders and heading into their bye.

The Bears would be sitting 1-3 or 0-4 in their bye week, a bad start for new head coach Ben Johnson. Add to that, they’d have two heartbreaking losses at Soldier Field.

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Following the two critical blunders by Cairo Santos in Week 1, the Chicago Bears kicker started Week 2 by kicking the ball out of bounds to give the Detroit Lions great field position. The Lions immediately drove for a touchdown.

The Bears could soon have a kicking competition with Jake Moody. Chicago added the San Francisco 49ers’ 2023 third-round pick to the practice squad last week. While the Bears had no plans to give him the starting job in Week 3, the team likes the talent the former Michigan standout has.

The Chicago Bears have high hopes for new kicker

Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower believes Moody has potential to develop in Chicago.

“Good player, good player. Good talent. Good player with good talent,” Hightower told reporters this week of Moody, via CHGO Bears. “He’s a young developmental player that we’re excited to work with on the practice squad.”

Special Teams Coordinator Richard Hightower on K Jake Moody:

"Good player, good player. Good talent. Good player with good talent. … He's a young developmental player that we're excited to work with on the practice squad."

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) September 18, 2025

Hightower suggested that it could take time for Moody to progress before they’re ready to sign him to the 53-man roster.

“We’ll develop his talent as we go, but it would be selfish of me to not focus on the Dallas Cowboys right now,” Hightower said.

Moody was released from the 49ers after a Week 1 game in which he struggled to make field goals. He needs to clear his head before he’s ready to attempt field goals for the Bears. But if Santos continues to make mistakes, the Bears will have no other option but to begin a kicking battle.

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The Chicago Bears are set to go against their former head coach in Week 3 after Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus gave up 37 points to the New York Giants and Russell Wilson on Sunday.

Cowboys fans are frustrated with Eberflus. The Bears have their own reasons to be agitated with new head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams after starting the season 0-2.

Matt Eberflus’ plan against the Chicago Bears

Sunday’s game between the Bears and Cowboys will be telling for both sides, as Eberflus has a chance to defend a quarterback he was in charge of developing in 2024. During an appearance on 670 The Score’s “Mully & Haugh Show” this week, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explained what Eberflus’ plan would be against the 2024 No. 1 pick.

Biggs thinks Eberflus will try to force Williams to execute from the pocket.

“Just what does Matt Eberflus have up the sleeve?” Biggs said. “Remember, remember that comment was like halftime of the Panthers game? What does he have up his sleeve? I think that Matt Eberflus will try to keep Caleb Williams in the pocket. That’s what you want to accomplish with him right now.

“That’s what the Detroit Lions set out to do in that game last week after seeing him run the ball in that opener against the Vikings. Like, I think I mentioned you guys. I talked to Josh Metellus, the Viking safety, and he said he thought Caleb was faster than he was as a rookie.”

.@DavidHaugh: What does Matt Eberflus have cooked up for Caleb Williams?

.@BradBiggs: “I think Matt Eberflus will try to keep Caleb Williams in the pocket. That’s what you want to accomplish with him right now. That’s what the Detroit Lions set out to do in that game last week.” pic.twitter.com/Ez6bF1fx99

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) September 19, 2025

Caleb Williams needs to execute from the pocket

Williams played well against the Lions from the pocket, but the Bears were only able to score 21 points at Ford Field in Week 2. If Dallas can keep Williams and the Bears offense to 21 points, one would think Dak Prescott and the Cowboys should walk out of Soldier Field with a win.

The Cowboys pass-rush is weaker this season without Micah Parsons, but Dallas received a huge reinforcement by signing defensive end Jadeveon Clowney this week. How the Bears offensive line holds up against the Cowboys front seven will be the story, because Chicago’s skilled guys should overmatch a bad Dallas secondary.

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Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is tasked with turning around a unit that surrendered 334 passing yards and five touchdowns to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff in a 52-21 blowout in Week 2.

His opponent in Week 3: Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

Prescott shredded the New York Giants’ defense in Week 2, throwing for 361 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in the Cowboys’ 40-37 win in overtime.

The Chicago Bears need to pressure Dak Prescott

During his news conference on Thursday, Allen said the defense needs to generate a strong pass rush against Prescott.

“The most important way and the quickest way to affect the offense is to be able to affect the quarterback and being able to do that through rush and coverage,” said Allen via the Bears’ website. “There’s a lot of different ways that you can do that. Maybe there’s some ways that we can create a little bit more time for the rush to get there.”

Serious injuries on defense aren’t helping

The Bears have to find ways to pressure Prescott because the secondary is dealing with significant injuries. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson is out indefinitely after he reaggravated his groin injury in Week 2. Cornerbacks Jaylon Jones and Kyler Gordon have not practiced this week due to hamstring injuries.

“We all embrace the challenge,” Allen said of being shorthanded on defense. “There’s no question about it. When you have significant players that are missing time, it’s challenging. And yet, that’s why we do what we do and that’s why we’re at the highest level of this profession is to figure out solutions and figure out ways to get the job done.”

The Bears have given up 73 points in the last five quarters. Chicago needs to shut down the Cowboys on Sunday or they run the risk of letting bad defense become a habit in Allen’s first season as defensive coordinator.

Allen acknowledged the sloppy defense against the Lions, saying the team is working to make corrections before playing Dallas.

“If you’re in this league long enough, you’ve been in one of those type of games,” Allen said. “And so you make the corrections that you need to make and you come back in and you go to work and that’s what you do. I mean, you get back up on the horse, let’s go ride again, and so that’s what our guys are doing…. We just come in every night, we go to work, try to put a good plan together, try to utilize our guys the best we can and put them in good positions to make plays. Hopefully we’ll go out and do that this weekend.”

If they don’t come out and play better, the Bears might be staring at a disappointing 0-3 start.

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The Chicago Bears rookie class has been mostly an afterthought during the first games of the season. Tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III have been nonfactors on the field.

Offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner were healthy scratches in Week 2, missing out on a 52-21 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions.

General manager Ryan Poles wanted to build his roster via the draft, and the lack of output from young draft picks is a big reason why the team is 0-2.

The Chicago Bears hope Shemar Turner takes next step

On Thursday, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen provided an update on Turner. He suggested that Turner has been inactive because he needs to catch up on the scheme after missing time in training camp with an ankle injury.

Via CHGO Bears:

“Dennis Allen on second-round pick Shemar Turner, who’s been inactive in Week 1 & 2: “Really it’s just continue to work in practice. He missed a lot of time in training camp, but I think he’s turning a corner. … And then it’s about taking advantage of the opportunity when it comes on game day.”

Dennis Allen on second-round pick Shemar Turner, who's been inactive in Week 1 & 2:

"Really it's just continue to work in practice. He missed a lot of time in training camp, but I think he's turning a corner. … And then it's about taking advantage of the opportunity when it…

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) September 18, 2025

Turner could see more action against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. All-Pro defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is dealing with a knee injury, and the defense needs to add depth against a Dallas Cowboys offense that put up 40 points in a win over the New York Giants in Week 2.

If Turner makes the best of his opportunity against the Cowboys, he will prove to the coaching staff that he doesn’t deserve to be inactive during games.

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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson issued a challenge to his players before practice this week that he wanted to see players without the ball giving effort during plays. That was one of the key issues he saw on tape of the Bears’ 52-21 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 2.

From the start of OTAs this spring, Johnson laid the groundwork for intensity at practices and attention to detail. Those attributes have been missing since the third quarter of Week 1.

The Chicago Bears reponded to a challenge

On Thursday, Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said he was impressed with how the locker room has responded to Johnson’s criticisms this week, saying they “rose to the challenge.”

“I saw a group that responded, that was hungry, that certainly feels the first two weeks and the result,” Doyle said via Chris Emma of 670 The Score. “You watched a team yesterday that came out and rose to the challenge in practice. They got to do it again today, they got to do it again tomorrow, then they got to do it Saturday and Sunday as well.”

Declan Doyle on the Bears’ practice Wednesday following Ben Johnson’s call for better habits: “I saw a group that responded, that was hungry, that certainly feels the first two weeks and the result. You watched a team yesterday that came out and rose to the challenge in practice.…

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) September 18, 2025

The Bears responded at Wednesday’s practice, but the team needs to show it for 60 minutes when they play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. Chicago has reportedly shown intensity during practices, especially against the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins in training camp, but that hasn’t translated to regular-season games.

In Week 3, that needs to change.

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The Chicago Bears have had major expectations for the 2025 season. Just two weeks in, it has been a major disappointment. The 0-2 Bears have started the season with two embarrassing losses. In Week 1, the team had a brutal collapse in a very winnable game against the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 2, the team was mauled by the Detroit Lions in a 52-21 loss.

Many positional groups and players have failed to live up to expectations already. The defensive line has been nonexistent, giving quarterbacks way too much time to throw the ball. The secondary has been badly injured, with Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon both banged up. The offense, including Caleb Williams, has shown some bright spots, but has still been very underwhelming due to poor offensive line play.

According to Chicago Sports Network and 670 The Score’s David Haugh, the Bears’ offensive line has been the biggest disappointment so far this season.

The Chicago Bears offensive line has failed to live up to the hype

During the 2024 season, the Bears’ offensive line was hands down the worst in the NFL. The offensive line gave up a franchise record of 68 sacks, leaving quarterback Caleb Williams running for his life on many occasions.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles spent the offseason attempting to fix the offensive line. Poles invested heavily in the offensive line. He signed Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson to expensive contracts and traded for All-Pro guard Joe Thuney. On paper, this was a major upgrade. However, through two games, it’s been the exact opposite.

On a recent episode of The Chicago Lead, Haugh said that he did not think that the offensive line “has done its part and lived up to the bargain.” Haugh said that he believes the Bears’ offensive line has been the biggest disappointment through the first two weeks of the season.

"I don't think the offensive line has done its part and lived up to the bargain."

The Bears invested heavily in the offensive line this offseason. Which is why @DavidHaugh says they've been the most disappointing position group so far this season.#ChicagoLead pic.twitter.com/EzeONMt6aO

— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) September 17, 2025

Ryan Poles invested heavily in the offensive line, yet the same mistakes are happening

Haugh mentioned how the offensive line struggled heavily in run blocking during last Sunday’s loss against Detroit. He mentioned how center Drew Dalman could not make enough room for one yard on a third-and-short play, leaving the team unable to get a first down. The offensive line has struggled to create holes for running back D’Andre Swift. Swift has struggled in the first two games as well, due to the bad run blocking.

The offensive line is still struggling to protect Caleb Williams as well. The team gave up 11 pressures, with Braxton Jones giving up an abysmal eight pressures last Sunday.

CHSN’s Clay Harbor posted via X that the Bears’ offensive line has now moved down to 24th overall in Pro Football Focus’ rankings.

The Bears O-line fell another two spots to 24 in PFFs rankings.

The Bears allowed 11 pressures 8 were on Braxton Jones. Jones allowed pressure on 19.5% of passes which was the 2nd worst in the NFL Week 2.

Darnell Wrights 90.7 PFF run-block grade led all RTs in Week 2. #DaBears

— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) September 17, 2025

Another major issue the offensive line has had is committing penalties. Multiple false starts and holding penalties during key moments in the game. This has to stop already.

It’s understandable why some think the Bears’ offensive line has been the biggest disappointment so far in 2025. One of the many things that needs to be fixed in order for the Bears to turn the season around is the offensive line, which needs to improve their play.

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The Chicago Bears will look to move past Week 2’s blowout loss as they begin to prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys.

The team has been dealing with key injuries since the season started. Starting slot corner Kyler Gordon has yet to see the field. TJ Edwards missed Week 1 and then returned for Week 2. However, Edwards reaggravated his hamstring injury and left early during the game.

Jaylon Johnson returned from his groin/calf injuries last week, but then went down and got hurt during Week 2’s loss. It was confirmed on Monday that Johnson will be out indefinitely. According to Brad Biggs, the Bears’ head coach, Ben Johnson told the media that “nothing official” has been determined for the star cornerback. It has been confirmed that Johnson will be out on Sunday, as expected.

Ben Johnson says "nothing official" has been determined for CB Jaylon Johnson. Obviously, he's not an option for the #Bears this Sunday.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) September 17, 2025

Multiple Chicago Bears starters did not practice on Wednesday

The Chicago Bears posted their injury report following Wednesday’s practice, via X.

https://Twitter.om/BearsPR/status/1968403729121505286

Kyler Gordon missed practice yet again. Edwards did not practice as well as defensive lineman Grady Jarrett. Jarrett has been dealing with a knee injury. With Johnson already out, there could now be four defensive starters out for Sunday’s game. This would be such a major blow to an already depleted defense.

Defensive back Jaylon Jones did not practice due to a hamstring injury. Jones will likely be needed for Sunday due to Johnson being out and Gordon being unlikely to play.

D’Andre Swift has now been added to the Bears’ injury report

The Bears also revealed that starting running back D’Andre Swift was limited in practice on Wednesday due to a quad injury. It is unknown how serious this injury is. Hopefully, this is just a precaution.

Swift has had a rough start to the 2025 season; however, he is a key part of the Bears’ offense. Swift ran for 63 yards on 12 carries during last week’s loss. He also ran for a touchdown during the second half of the game, when the game was out of reach for the Bears.

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The Chicago Bears have seemingly turned the page from last season, when they finished last in the NFC North at 5-12, and parted ways with their head coach, Matt Eberflus, after a disastrous game that aired on Thanksgiving for a national audience. The Bears decided to move on from Eberflus after he failed to call a timeout with 46 seconds left and the Bears were on the Detroit Lions’ 25-yard line.

Now the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, Eberflus has struggled to start the season, going 0-2 and allowing 61 points to their opponents so far. This disastrous start to the Bears’ former head coach isn’t sitting well with his boss, Brian Schottenheimer, who sent Eberflus a stern warning for his defensive play-calling.

Former Chicago Bears HC warned for his lackluster defense

Jon Machota, who covers the Dallas Cowboys for The Athletic, reported that head coach Brian Schottenheimer was not happy about the number of points the Cowboys’ defense has let up this season, saying, “it wasn’t the standard” and “there are a lot of things we can clean up.” The current defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys is former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.

“Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer when asked about his level of concern with Dallas’ defense giving up so many big plays Sunday: “It was not the standard. I think there are a lot of things we can clean up. I think that’s what I’m excited about. This is not a multiple week thing. This is something that we think we can correct. I felt like it was a lot of different pieces, a lot of different parts. It wasn’t one person. It wasn’t one type of coverage.

“When you’re going to be multiple the way we are we have to communicate better. I didn’t think that our communication was to the standard that it needs to be. … Any time you give up seven explosive passes, and (Russell Wilson) played incredibly well, but there was a lot of things that we can tighten up. I think that was what was so good about the meetings today is we don’t shy away from those things. We point those things out. Defense is hard, man. All 11 guys have to be doing the same thing. When it doesn’t happen, you open up yourself to big plays.

‘… But we found a way to win the game, which is great. We’re going to make the corrections. And we have to, because giving up those types of plays, you’re not going to win many games, and we were very fortunate to find a way to win.”

Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer when asked about his level of concern with Dallas’ defense giving up so many big plays Sunday: “It was not the standard. I think there are a lot of things we can clean up. I think that’s what I’m excited about. This is not a multiple week thing.…

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 16, 2025

Eberflus could lose his job again if this keeps up

If Eberflus doesn’t make the necessary adjustments and get to the “standard” that Schottenheimer has, he could wind up losing his job for the second season in a row. However, Eberflus may be able to find the motivation to turn things around this week, as the Cowboys are playing his former team this week.

Having this motivation could help Eberflus get back on track and get back into the good graces of Schottenheimer, but the Bears will be eager to put up points on Eberflus after their drubbing last week against the Lions.

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Tom Brady is set to call the Chicago Bears-Dallas Cowboys game on Sunday. The former NFL quarterback turned Las Vegas Raiders minority owner is going from his team’s coaching booth (where he was wearing a headset) to Chicago this week, and that could be a problem for the Bears, who play the Raiders in Week 4.

The Chicago Bears have a Tom Brady problem

As NFL insider James Palmer noted from the ESPN “Monday Night Football” broadcast, Brady meets with Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly two to three times per week to help Las Vegas get ready for their opponent.

“Tom Brady meets with Chip Kelly 2-3 times a week to go over film and go through the game plan,” Palmer posted on X. “And every weekend Brady is calling a game for Fox, gathering as much information as possible from players and coaches from both teams to be at his best in the broadcast booth. Got it.”

Tom Brady meets with Chip Kelly 2-3 times a week to go over film and go through the game plan.

And every weekend Brady is calling a game for Fox, gathering as much information as possible from players and coaches from both teams to be at his best in the broadcast booth. Got it.

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) September 16, 2025

As Field Yates of ESPN appeared to suggest, it’s rather curious Brady is getting the opportunity to call the Bears a week before the Raiders are set to play the team.

“Notably, Tom Brady is scheduled to call Cowboys-Bears for FOX in Week 3. The Raiders’ Week 4 opponent? The Bears.”

Notably, Tom Brady is scheduled to call Cowboys-Bears for FOX in Week 3.

The Raiders’ Week 4 opponent? The Bears. https://t.co/RpK6iF4svc

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 16, 2025

Out of self-interest, the Bears need to be hostile to Brady when he’s around Halas Hall. There’s a clear conflict of interest with Brady calling the game on Sunday, and Chicago doesn’t need to give him any unnecessary information during formal or non-formal interviews.

It’s a shame the league is allowing Brady to do this. But the Bears don’t need to take the bait. They didn’t with HBO’s “Hard Knocks” last summer. This week, they need to stay away from the Raider.

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Tyler Dunne dropped a three-part bombshell days before the start of the Chicago Bears regular season. Dunne talked to former and current Bears staffers about Caleb Williams’ first season in Chicago, general manager Ryan Poles’ incompetence in the front office, and CEO Kevin Warren’s aura in Halas Hall.

Some juicy tidbits didn’t make the published product, but Dunne provided readers with an update after the Bears dropped a 52-21 laugher to the Detroit Lions in Week 2.

The Chicago Bears have been bad at scouting OL under Ryan Poles

Per Dunne, some scouts have mocked the idea that Poles, a former offensive lineman, has a natural ability to find gems up front. His failures to scout Doug Kramer, Zachary Thomas, and Kiran Amegadjie are legendary in their own right.

Scouts thought Kramer fit the profile of a UDFA, but Poles took him in the sixth round. Thomas was also taken in the sixth round after the general manager was warned that he kept losing his reps in college.

“Poles also selected San Diego State’s Zachary Thomas in the sixth,” Dunne wrote. “The tape was rough. Thomas failed to generate a surge in the run game, stay on blocks and — above all — he lacked an anchor. That didn’t bother Poles. In draft meetings, he said multiple times that Thomas ‘knows how to lose.’… Thomas, however, lost consistently. “Losing on his edges, losing around the horn, losing through his chest,” this scout said. “And Poles kept falling in love with saying, ‘He knows how to lose.’ Well, yeah, he’s losing every single rep.” Neither player is on a team. (this season.)

The Bears were urged to stay away from Kiran Amegadjie

Despite the quad injury, league scouts were worried about Amegadjie’s ability to block players at the NFL level.

“The GM slotted Amegadjie at the top of a Day 2 stack. Others on the staff saw a UDFA because a.) the competition in the Ivy League was subpar and b.) the tape wasn’t exactly dominant,” Dunne wrote. “He had size and athleticism but didn’t push people around. ‘What is he going to do against NFL players?’ one scout asked. ‘When he has to face real rushers with strength, length and power that can bend? That are violent?’
Amegadjie was a healthy scratch on Sunday (against the Lions)… as were second-round picks Ozzy Trapilo and Shemar Turner.”

Poles added three new offensive linemen to the roster this offseason, but they have been a problem this season. Penalties have killed drives, and that’s nothing to say about the issues at left tackle, where Trapilo doesn’t look close to being ready to play.

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After missing the preseason and Week 1 with a groin injury, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson lasted 20 snaps against the Detroit Lions before exiting the game with a groin injury. Johnson has been ruled out indefinitely due to the injury following the Bears 52-21 loss to the Lions.

The injury appeared to be a reaggravation for the All-Pro cornerback. But head coach Ben Johnson made a claim about Johnson’s injury that the cornerback appeared to refute.

Chicago Bears CB Jaylon Johnson on the groin injury

During an appearance on 670 The Score’s “Spiegel & Holmes” show, Jaylon said it wasn’t reckless for him to return against the Lions but did admit the Bears had a sense of urgency to get him back on the field after losing to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1.

“I wouldn’t say there was any rushing involved,” Jaylon said via Dan Wiederer of The Athletic. “I would say there was a sense of urgency to get back but definitely no rush. I didn’t do anything reckless. I felt comfortable playing. I know if I didn’t feel comfortable, I wouldn’t have played no matter what anybody was saying.”

Jaylon Johnson to @SpiegsAndHolmes on whether he rushed back to quickly to play after his significant summer groin injury: "“I wouldn’t say there was any rushing involved. I would say there was a sense of urgency to get back but definitely no rush. I didn’t do anything reckless.…

— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) September 15, 2025

Jaylon is indicating the groin injury is connected to the issue from training camp. But Ben didn’t want to connect those dots when he talked to the media on Monday.

Ben Johnson called the injury “new”

Per CHGO Sports’ Adam Jahns, Ben said this was a “new injury” for Johnson.

“Bears coach Ben Johnson said CB Jaylon Johnson is dealing with a “new injury,” Jahns posted on X.

Bears coach Ben Johnson said CB Jaylon Johnson is dealing with a “new injury.”

— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) September 15, 2025

It was just a coincidence that after 20 plays he suffered a new injury in the same spot that he had been dealing with an issue from training camp?

Ben’s version of events might make the Bears training staff and coaching staff look better, but it doesn’t seem plausible.

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The Chicago Bears have given up 73 points in the last five quarters of football. In layman’s terms: That’s not good.

With cornerback Jaylon Johnson suffering a setback with his groin injury, Chicago is set to be in trouble on defense for most of the season unless defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can get his guys to buy in quickly.

The Chicago Bears have an alarming problem with team captain

During an appearance on 670 The Score’s “Mully & Haugh Show” on Monday, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune suggested defensive tackle Grady Jarrett’s right knee could be more of a serious issue this season, as his injured right knee is the same one he suffered that ended his season in 2023. An alarming situation after the Bears gave Jarrett a three-year, $43.5 million contract in the offseason.

“Yet your hope, your hope, he’s able to get healthy,” Biggs said of Jarrett. “It’s a, it’s a right knee. That’s the knee he had the ACL with a couple years ago where he missed half the season with the Falcons, and you want to see him healthy, because you don’t want him to be this year’s Keenan Allen addition to the roster, in addition to the roster, you know what I’m saying?

“Like, he’s got, he’s got leadership, and he’s got some real qualities in terms of intangibles that can help in the locker room, but first he’s got to help on the field, and that defense needs it.”

.@BradBiggs on the Bears defense's woes: "You can't pin this on any one player or any one position group. They're so bad across the board."

Listen to full segment: https://t.co/Ts1H1PGeU4 pic.twitter.com/4gvkkFm60k

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) September 15, 2025

Biggs argued that Jarrett’s importance on this team is important because third-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter has not been consistently good through two games. The lack of good play on the defensive line is adding up to bad play from the linebackers and secondary.

Jarrett is also a team captain for the Bears this season. They need their team captains to be the best players on the field. That hasn’t been the case so far, and the 0-2 start shouldn’t be surprising.

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The post Chicago Bears have alarming development with defensive captain appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Things got worse on Monday for the Chicago Bears defense. Following a 52-21 drubbing by the Detroit Lions in Week 2, the Bears received bad news on All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

The Chicago Bears have bad news on Jaylon Johnson

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Johnson is out indefinitely due to a groin injury.

“Bears Pro-Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson is out indefinitely with a groin injury, sources tell me and @CourtneyRCronin,” Schefter wrote. “The team still is evaluating the full extent of the injury, whether surgery is necessary, and how long Johnson will be sidelined.

“Johnson exited the second quarter of the Bears loss to the Lions after sustaining the injury while breaking up a pass. He missed all of training camp, the preseason and Chicago’s opener with a groin injury before returning and reaggravating it Sunday. He now is out indefinitely.”

Bears Pro-Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson is out indefinitely with a groin injury, sources tell me and @CourtneyRCronin. The team still is evaluating the full extent of the injury, whether surgery is necessary, and how long Johnson will be sidelined.

Johnson exited the second… pic.twitter.com/plKzZ9Hug1

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2025

Johnson’s loss is concerning for a secondary that has been bad without their top corner. Lions quarterback Jared Goff went 23-of-28 passing for 334 yards with five touchdowns on Sunday. Backup cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has been picked on in Johnson’s absence.

The Bears were also without nickelback Kyler Gordon against Detroit. He is dealing with a hamstring injury.

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If there was a glimmer of hope in the Chicago Bears‘ 52-21 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, it was that second-year quarterback Caleb Williams took a step in the right direction after being useless for most of the team’s Week 1 loss against the Minnesota Vikings.

In both starts, Williams looked efficient in the scripted opening drive, leading the offense to touchdowns. However, he was sloppy for the rest of the game against the Vikings. On Sunday, Williams kept his poise in the pocket and delivered nice passes. However, penalties via the offensive line killed drives.

Caleb Williams showed progress in Week 2

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune praised Williams for playing a much better game against the Lions than he did in Week 1.

“He was more poised in the pocket,” Biggs wrote of Williams. “He didn’t look as rushed making throws. His footwork appeared to be more consistent. He wasn’t ready to play the kind of video-game football that would have been required to keep the Bears in this game in the second half. But it was a step in the right direction as Williams finished 19 of 30 for 207 yards with two touchdowns to Rome Odunze and an interception.”

The defense didn’t help Williams and the offense stick to the original game plan. A six-yard touchdown pass from Williams to Rome Odunze cut the Lions’ lead to 21-14 with 1:55 remaining in the first half, but the defense would let Jared Goff and Detroit march down the field to take a 28-14 advantage at halftime.

The Chicago Bears couldn’t help Williams in the second half

After that, the Bears didn’t have a running attack, and Williams had to stick to throwing from the pocket. While he played good from the pocket, Goff is a lot better at that skill than the second-year quarterback.

“The Bears didn’t get a lot of explosive plays, but if you were seeking improvement, it was there,” Biggs wrote. “Keep in mind the Lions were fine seeing Williams operate from the pocket. His ability to damage the Vikings defense with his legs in Week 1 caught the Lions’ attention. They wanted to force Williams to be a pocket passer, confident their quarterback would be more proficient in that area to make the difference.”

Williams should have another opportunity to show off his arm in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys. After trading defensive end Micah Parsons, their defense has allowed Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson to go 49-of-64 for 566 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.

Look for the Bears-Cowboys game to feature some leaky secondaries on Sunday.

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The post Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams praised for progress against Lions appeared first on ChiCitySports.

After starting the season 0-2, the Chicago Bears have several starting positions that should be up for grabs before the team plays the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. Kicker Cairo Santos, left tackle Braxton Jones, right tackle Darnell Wright, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson have not been good so far this season.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune thinks a rookie should see more playing time on the field in Week 3 due to the ineffectiveness of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who is dealing with a knee issue. He thinks second-round pick Shemar Turner is ready to make his debut for Chicago.

The Chicago Bears could make some changes to the DT rotation

David Haugh of 670 The Score’s “Mully & Haugh Show” asked Biggs at what positions the Bears could hold players accountable after a lopsided 52-21 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Biggs thinks Turner should be activated.

“You know, one thing I would consider for next week certainly is, how about activating Shemar Turner, the second-round pick and defensive tackle, and give him a little bit of a run? I mean, Grady clearly wasn’t at full strength yesterday,” Biggs said. “I’m sure Grady wants to be out there, but you want to develop your young talent.”

Should Ben Johnson and his staff make changes in the Bears’ depth chart to hold players accountable?@BradBiggs thinks they should consider activating rookie DT Shemar Turner to give the defensive line a spark. pic.twitter.com/9hhf34tahx

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) September 15, 2025

The Bears need to have some position battles this week

It’s pretty sad when the Bears have to consider sitting an All-Pro and team captain to worry about developing a player who missed much of training camp with an ankle injury (near the same area of his body that caused him to miss the scouting combine in February).

Turner and fellow second-round pick at offensive tackle, Ozzy Trapilo, were healthy scratches against the Lions. The Bears could consider using Trapilo for a position battle at right tackle to give Wright, a 2023 first-round pick, a kick in the pants to show a little more fight than he has against the Minnesota Vikings and Lions.

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The post Chicago Bears urged to make massive change after loss to Lions appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears pass rush was noticeable against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. The Bears sacked J.J. McCarthy three times in his debut for the Vikings on Monday night.

Defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter recorded a sack of McCarthy. Defensive end Montez Sweat recorded two tackles, but could not tackle McCarthy behind the line of scrimmage.

Chicago Bears DE Dayo Odeyingbo could top Montez Sweat

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune spoke to an NFL scout who thinks Oedeyingbo could record more sacks than Sweat this season.

Via Biggs:

“There were times when he caved in one side of the pocket,” a pro scout said. “Extreme speed to power, good leg drive. That’s the type of rep you show to someone and say, ‘Minnesota can’t play this guy (Justin Skule) at left tackle.’

“Odeyingbo is very explosive off the ball. Could he have more sacks than Montez Sweat? He could. He’s a really explosive player. He’s not Micah Parsons (or) T.J. Watt because he’s so big and physical. He doesn’t have that elite bend to him where he can turn the corner. … He can bend but he is more straight-line power.”

Sweat recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2023 but added just 5.5 sacks during his first full season in Chicago in 2024. The Bears traded for him with the intention of making him the featured pass rusher on the defense.

So far, Sweat has left a lot to be desired.

Odeyingbo didn’t have a history of being a great pass rusher with the Indianapolis Colts. However, he played well against the Vikings. However, he’ll have a tougher time going against Detroit Lions offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker.

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The Chicago Bears wasted no time in puting a team captain on notice following a disappointing 27-24 loss to the Minnesota VIkings in Week 1. The Bears had several opportunities to put away the Vikings, but issues on offense and special teams contributed the second half disaster.

Kicker Cairo Santos had a rough night, missing a crucial field goal and failing to kick the ball out of the end zone with 2:02 remaining in the contest, allowing Minnesota to take the ball out of the end zone and running the clock under two minutes, taking a stoppage opportunity away from the defense.

Chicago Bears put Cairo Santos on notice with Jake Moody addition

According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, former San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody is signing with the Bears’ practice squad, putting Santos on notice in Week 2.

Sources: Former #49ers K Jake Moody is signing with the #Bears practice squad.

Added competition for Cairo Santos. pic.twitter.com/tDVZgLh2Wd

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 12, 2025

Moody, a 2023 third-round pick by the 49ers, went 1-of-3 kicking in Week 1. He had a great rookie season (making 84% of his field goal attempts) but struggled after suffering a high-ankle sprain in 2024. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan believes Moody needed a change of scenery.

“He wasn’t kicking the ball well enough, and it was way too inconsistent,” Shanahan said via 49ers Webzone. “So, once that happens, and when your stroke in golf is changing all the time, and you’re trying to fix things, trying not to miss, it’s very hard to succeed at this level that way. There wasn’t anything I had to beat around the bush on. He knew that.

“And to a degree, I think this will give him a chance to move on, and hopefully, find a place where he can get a swag back in that way.”

The Chicago Bears have a kicking problem

On Thursday, Bears special teams coordinator explained Santos’ issues on Monday night, saying the veteran whiffed on his kickoff in the fourth quarter.

“He just didn’t hit it as flush as he wanted to hit it,” Hightower said. “It just didn’t go out the back, and that happens. And guess what? Nobody feels worse about that than Cairo. Nobody does.”

Hightower was unhappy with the missed field goal, and blamed Santos and the entire field goal team for the missed kick.

‘We never want to leave points on the board,” Hightower said. “My diagnosis is it always starts with the operation. Snap, hold and kick. That wasn’t clean. Protection was good. That wasn’t clean and we didn’t get it done and we need to get that done.”

Santos signed a contract extension with the Bears in 2023 thatgoes through 2027. He’s made 85.2% of his field goal attempts in his career. However, he struggles from deep, going 96-of-131 from attempts more than 40 yards.

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The post Chicago Bears officially put captain on notice with signing appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Following Monday night’s collapse in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings, the Chicago Bears need to take advantage of anything the Detroit Lions give them in Week 2 to try and avoid going 0-2 under first-year head coach Ben Johnson.

While the Lions have much of the same roster that won the NFC North in 2024, Detroit’s offensive line was exposed in their 27-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The Lions gave up four sacks of Jared Goff and rushed for just 46 yards on 22 carries.

The Chicago Bears have an area to take advantage of the Detroit Lions

During an appearance Friday on 670 The Score’s “Mully & Haugh Show,” Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune said the Bears defensive line has a chance to “exploit” a regressing Lions offensive line.

“Yeah, they were moving both those guys around right, (Montez) Sweat, and I think Dayo (Oedyingbo) had 18 snaps on each side, a couple in the middle,” Biggs said of Chicago’s scheme against Minnesota. “Now, this guy’s (Taylor Decker) a total, totally different animal than Justin Skule, who we saw for the Vikings.

 

“Those are big, physical offensive Tackles for the Lions with (Taylor) Decker and with Penei Sewell. And you can’t just beat them with with power, straight down Broad Street, but you would hope that, yeah, if Decker is not 100 percent or if he doesn’t play, that the Bears have a host of guys, not just Sweat, who can take advantage of that situation, and that’s certainly something from the Lions injury report side of things that you’re going to want to be looking out for this afternoon.”

If the Bears are going to upset the Lions, they’ll need their defensive line to exploit a Lions offensive line that’s a little banged up.

Listen to @BradBiggs‘ full interview:https://t.co/iKw3ar6Qdu pic.twitter.com/midmQzKjXl

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) September 12, 2025

The Bears front seven needs to control the game. Of course, for Chicago to keep that advantage for four quarters, Caleb Williams and the offense need to do their part to give the defense a rest, something they failed to do against the Vikings.

The 2025 Lions aren’t the same giant they were last year, and the Bears need to strike while they’re down to earn a win in Week 2.

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The post How the Chicago Bears can ‘exploit’ the Detroit Lions appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears offense looked great in their opening drive of Monday night’s game when they took a 7-0 lead on the Minnesota Vikings. However, inaccuracies in the passing game and a lack of rushing attack stalled Chicago’s progress, leading to an ugly 27-24 loss in Week 1.

The Bears need to be better in several areas against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. Head coach Ben Johnson needs to get the running game going, something that led to his success as an offensive coordinator in Detroit.

Per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, the Bears have a few set plans for Sunday. The Bears want to crack down on penalties, see Williams improve his accuracy, and run the ball at Detroit.

The Chicago Bears have a few plans for Sunday

“The Bears want to establish consistency on offense for full game, which means better accuracy from QB Caleb Williams and fewer penalties,” Cronin wrote. “Given the noise level inside Ford Field (with a little extra juice expected from fans who aren’t thrilled with Detroit’s offense after Ben Johnson’s departure), Chicago will have to use a silent cadence to avoid racking up false-start penalties.

“Establishing a better rushing attack is also a priority, and Johnson wants to get rookie Kyle Monangai involved.”

Are the Bears doing too much?

The Bears gave up a season-opening record number of penalties against the Vikings in Week 1. The offense also only rushed for 61 yards sans Williams, with Monangai not receiving a touch.

Johnson plans to get the seventh-round rookie more touches against the Lions.

“We probably were at — what — under 20 for called runs in the game? I need to call more so that we get [Monangai] in the game a little bit more,” Johnson said.

The Bears are trying to correct several mistakes before Week 2. The penalties and accuracy have been an issue since OTAs. Chicago needs to correct those mistakes quickly in the regular season if this team wants to have a successful season in Johnson’s first year.

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The post Chicago Bears reveal plans before Lions game appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears offense spun their wheels for most of Monday night’s 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Bears scored a touchdown on their opening drive of the game, but didn’t score another offensive touchdown until 2:02 remained in the fourth quarter.

Williams and the offense had several chances to knock the Vikings out in the second half after Nahshon Wright’s pick-six of J.J. McCarthy gave Chicago a 17-6 lead in the third quarter. However, a missed field goal by Cairo Santos and several missed throws by Williams killed the team’s momentum.

Kurt Warner defended Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams

Williams received much of the blame for the loss from local and national media. The second-year quarterback understood he needed to get better before the Bears Week 2 contest against the Detroit Lions.

During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show this week, former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner defended Williams. Not only did he argue McCarthy didn’t necessarily outplay Williams due to the level of difficulty asked of each quarterback, but he stressed that Williams didn’t get enough help from DJ Moore.

“Let me just first say that kind of mentioned there is that the level of difficulty for JJ McCarthy in this game was way, way lower than the level of difficulty with Caleb’s first start in Chicago on Monday Night Football,” Warner said. “I’m simply talking about the way the game played out. The plays that were called, the throws that they had to make. It was just easier for JJ, you know, with all the things like you said, he didn’t have to do anything till the fourth quarter and still had a chance…

“I thought for Caleb it was, it was hard work all night long… Now I say all that to say I still have questions about Caleb. There were things in the game or things that I saw that, you know, continue to lend themselves to my opinion that he’s got a long way to go in terms of settling down, slowing the game down, playing at the pace that he needs to play, you know, seeing things and slowing the mental processes down.”

Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner on the Rich Eisen show:

“I thought the level of difficulty for JJ was way lower than the level of difficulty for Caleb.”

“I thought Caleb played a really good game.”

All is not lost Chicago. #DaBears #Bears #ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/81YKExD2jm

— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) September 11, 2025

Warner thought Williams did a nice job of going through progressions against defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme. Williams was hitting his third or fourth receiver. Still, he needs to become more comfortable in new head coach Ben Johnson’s scheme.

That should come with time, and hopefully the Bears offense looks better against a Detroit Lions defense that let Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers beat them up in Week 1.

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The post Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams receives surprise support from former NFL quarterback appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions have a huge matchup on Sunday after both teams dropped their season opener in Week 1. The Bears blew a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter against J.J. McCarthy making his first start for the Minnesota Vikings.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell looked outmatched by the Green Bay Packers in their 27-13 loss at Lambeau Field. Campbell looked lost after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets this offseason.

Detroit Lions HC Dan Campbell made a promise

This week, Campbell talked to the media about his upcoming matchup against his former assistant, calling Johnson a “friend” but promising that Detroit would beat the Bears because they “had to” win in Week 2.

“Ben’s my friend. He’s always going to be my friend. But nothing about that’s going to change,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said this week, via the Detroit News. “We’re going in, getting ready to play Chicago. We’re going to win this game. We have to.”

The Chicago Bears also need a win

There is no doubt Johnson feels the same way after allowing Week 1 to slip from his grasp. The Bears need to find a way to avoid going 0-2 to start the season, especially given how the locker room has been stuck in the cycle of having a losing culture under the tenure of general manager Ryan Poles.

Johnson promised to change that, and Chicago’s best bet to do that is to go into Detroit and knock off the defending NFC North champions on Sunday. As the Lions showed on Sunday, they’re vulnerable while they sort out the kinks of a new coaching staff.

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The Chicago Bears‘ pass rush needs a major boost. During the final preseason game of the 2025 season, the Bears’ starting defense looked horrific against the Chiefs. The pass rush looked very slow and weak, giving Patrick Mahomes all the time in the world to throw the football.

It has been clear that Ryan Poles needs to consider bringing another established pass rusher onto the team, whether through trade or free agency. And it now looks like the Bears have missed out on the best available free agent defensive end.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Philadelphia Eagles have signed veteran defensive end Za’Darius Smith to a one-year deal.

The Chicago Bears missed out on a great opportunity to improve their defense

Schefter confirmed the news via X on Friday.

Sources: Former Lions DE Za'Darius Smith is signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.

It’s another pass rusher for 1-0 Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/RwKb6ep6DM

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2025

The 32-year-old veteran pass rusher has proved he can still be a reliable player in the league. Smith had 9 sacks during the 2024 season, playing with both the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns.

Many Bears fans have been clamoring for the Bears to sign Smith since August, and rightfully so. Bears GM Ryan Poles absolutely should have attempted to sign the three-time Pro Bowl player. This appears to be another missed opportunity for Chicago. With Austin Booker being on IR for the first four games, the pass rush looks even more deflated.

Hopefully, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can figure something out to get the pass rush going. The Bears need to be dominant up front against the Vikings this Monday.

The post Chicago Bears lose out on top available pass rusher appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears should be one of the more exciting teams coming into the 2025-2026 season, as they did a lot to improve their roster to be better than their 5-12 record from last season. Having Ben Johnson as their new head coach will help in that endeavor, bringing a new optimistic attitude to the locker room and being the guy to unlock Caleb Williams’ untapped potential.

Williams comes into his second season in the NFL with huge expectations, especially after he set a rookie record for a Bears quarterback for passing yards in a season with 3,541 yards. Johnson laid down the gauntlet for Williams, stating that he would become the first Bears quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards.

Williams has high expectations not only from his head coach but also from the national media. One analyst stated that he has the most to prove for this upcoming season.

Chicago Bears quarterback labeled as having ‘the most to prove’ in 2025

Coming into a new season in the NFL, there are always high expectations, but there can’t be anyone in the league with higher expectations for this season than Caleb Williams. Williams will enter his second season in the NFL after having a good rookie season, and he will look to build off it with the help of his head coach.

After being the most sacked quarterback from last season (68), the Bears made it their mission to improve their offensive line so that won’t happen again. Having made all those improvements for Williams only raises the expectations for him, and that’s the case for ESPN analysts and former quarterback Dan Orlovsky, who made Williams his number one quarterback with the most to prove for next season.

Orlovsky ranked Williams higher than Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers, and Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts.

“.@danorlovsky7‘s top five QBs with the most to prove in 2025

1. Caleb Williams

2. Trevor Lawrence

3. J.J. McCarthy

4. Bryce Young

5. Anthony Richardson”

.@danorlovsky7's top five QBs with the most to prove in 2025

1. Caleb Williams
2. Trevor Lawrence
3. J.J. McCarthy
4. Bryce Young
5. Anthony Richardson pic.twitter.com/JFVqG3HB1h

— First Take (@FirstTake) August 4, 2025

Orlovsky on why Williams is his number one:

“It is go time for Caleb Williams,” Orlovsky said. “You have to go out and show that you are the talent, the player, and the future of the organization for a team and a place that desperately has been begging for it.”

William can and will defy expectations

Williams has all the ability in the world to be a star in the league, and could go down as one of the Bears’ greatest quarterbacks when it’s all said and done. Williams will get his first test this Sunday, when he should be in for a couple of snaps against the Miami Dolphins.

Even though Williams has seen his share of ups and downs during training camp, it’s only training camp, and what matters will be the season, which will be on September 8th at home versus the Vikings.

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The Chicago Bears should be one of the more exciting teams to watch when the season begins, with the changes they made over the offseason helping to push them over the edge. The most pressing need for the Bears was finding a head coach to man the helm and be the offensive mentor that Quarterback Caleb Williams needs to take his game to the next level.

The Bears found that mentor in former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who was the hottest name on the market, and who should help turn things around and make the Bears a contender for the NFC North. The Bears’ chances to win the North and potentially go deep in the playoffs also got a boost when they added to the trenches, which, along with a few additions on defense, and the NFL Draft, helped bring the Bears some recognition for some of their moves.

The Chicago Bears rank highly for their offseason maneuvering

The Bears were busy this offseason, securing their new head coach, and adding offensive weapons like the addition of tight end Colston Loveland, who could have a nice rookie season and take away playing time from his fellow tight end Cole Kmet. The moves the Bears made didn’t go unnoticed, as Josh Edwards of CBS Sports ranked the Bears as having the best offseason, beating out the New England Patriots, who were also looking for a head coach and were in the running for Johnson.

Edwards on the Bears’ offseason via CBS Sports:

“The changes for the Bears began at the top with incoming head coach Ben Johnson. Johnson was regarded as one of the game’s most forward-thinking, dynamic offensive play-callers in his former role with the Lions, and Chicago is hoping that success follows him within the division. The roster supplementation did not end there, however. 

The NFC North franchise ate its vegetables by upgrading the offensive line through the acquisitions of Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson. The defensive line’s floor should be elevated with Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo joining the cause. Pass-catchers Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland were added to the draft. 

The biggest red flag is that Chicago was atop this list last year as well.”

The Bears should be exciting this season

The Bears should be better this season than last, when they went 5-12 and were tied for the third-worst record in the league alongside the Carolina Panthers, the New Orleans Saints, and the New York Jets. Of those teams, the Bears have the best chance of having a winning or above .500 record.

The Bears kick next season off with a divisional matchup when they welcome the Minnesota Vikings to Soldier Field for the first Monday Night Football game of the season. The Bears follow that up by traveling to Detroit to play the reigning NFC North Champions, the Lions. If the Bears and their new additions can hold their own against strong teams and divisional foes such as the Vikings and Lions, then the Bears could set themselves up early to get a decent lead in the North.

The post The Chicago Bears receive a high ranking for offseason maneuvering: Report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The names Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers evoke a lot of pain in Chicago Bears fan circles. The two have won a lot of games at the Bears’ expense.

Fortunately, Father Time is getting ready to pluck one from the league, as Rodgers is nearing the end of his career on a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers this season. The Steelers’ matchup against the Bears on Nov. 23 will likely be the last between Rodgers and Chicago.

A Chicago Bears nemesis could be gone soon

The upcoming season could be the last time the Bears will have to face LaFleur as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, new Green Bay president Ed Policy will not extend the contracts of general manager Brian Gutekunst or LaFleur before the start of the upcoming season.

Gutekunst and LaFleur have two years remaining on their current deals. Policy told reporters on Friday that he is “generally opposed” to working with coaches and general managers in the final year of their contracts because it creates a lot of issues with staff, and he prefers to stay away from lame-duck situations.

Schneidman believes Policy indicated that Gutekunst and LaFleur are on the hot seat.

“In other words, the Packers will likely either extend or fire LaFleur and Gutekunst after this season,” Scheidman wrote. “This year already carries a heightened sense of urgency for the Packers as they enter Year 3 of the Jordan Love era after an underwhelming season, but now the public knows the head coach and general manager may have even more at stake, too.”

The end of the LaFleur era could be good news for the Bears. The Packers have an 11-1 record against Chicago since LaFleur took over in 2019, Chicago’s only win coming in a 24-22 surprise at Lambeau Field in January.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson likes playing LaFleur

Of course, new Bears head coach Ben Johnson might feel differently. During his introductory press conference, Johnson bragged about beating LaFleur as the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions.

With Johnson, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell (who just received a contract extension), and Lions head coach Dan Campbell in the division, the Packers might feel pressed to try and upgrade the position if the team fails to show progress in Jordan Love’s third season as the starting quarterback.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The NFL’s 2025 schedule is shaping up to be a gauntlet for several teams, the Chicago Bears included. Last season, there were hopes around the Windy City that the Soldier Field side could finally return to prominence after what feels like an eternity in the doldrums.

Franchise quarterback Caleb Williams was selected with the first overall pick of the draft, and he was given a new primary target in the form of fellow first-rounder Rome Odunze. But unfortunately, just as they have done so many times before, the Bears misfired once again.

With their rookie QB failing to live up to early expectations, the Chi-Town outfit won just five games all season, with four of them coming in their opening six weeks of the season. Following their bye week, however, all momentum was lost in an instant, and the team lost ten games in a row, sealing their fate as the bottom-ranked team in the NFC North for the third straight season.

Next term, online betting websites think another season of misery could be on the cards. The popular Bovada website currently lists the Bears as a +400 outsider to win their division for the first time in seven years. That represents the longest odds of all four teams that make up the quartet, with much of their low preseason expectations due to their supremely difficult 2025 schedule. In fact, according to NFL.com, they have the second most difficult schedule of anybody in 2025, but who else is set for some difficult tests next term?

New York Giants

The Giants are staring down the most merciless schedule in the league. With a 2025 opponent win percentage of .574, no team has it tougher, a daunting prospect because the Big Apple side won just three games all season in 2024, the lowest of anybody.

While divisional showdowns in the NFC East will be grueling as always, it’s their non-divisional games that truly test their mettle. Highlighted matchups include clashes against offensive powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs, reigning dynamos of the AFC.

Add in road battles with Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers and a visit to the Denver Broncos, a team looking to springboard off a surprise playoff run in 2024, and you’ve got a brutal slate. On top of that, hosting the San Francisco 49ers and the NFC powerhouse Detroit Lions promises no breathers.

The Giants are hoping that veteran quarterback Russell Wilson can display the kind of form that led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs last season. The former Seattle Seahawk has been brought in as a bridge player until rookie first-rounder Jaxson Dart develops into the face of the franchise, and the old-timer will have his work cut out in steering his new side to victories next season.

Chicago Bears

On the heels of a rebuilding phase that introduced quarterback Caleb Williams as a beacon of hope, the Bears are staring down one of the toughest schedules in the league at .571. Their non-divisional slate feels unrelenting, with showdowns against elite AFC contenders like the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, as well as a testing trip to face the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles in week 13. Having to contend with MVP-caliber quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Jalen Hurts is a tall order for any defense.

Beyond that, a trip to face the Washington Commanders and a home clash with a San Francisco 49ers team determined to return to its juggernaut ways will undoubtedly test Chicago’s resilience.

The good news? The Bears have tapped into a promising youth movement on both sides of the ball. While Williams’ rookie campaign didn’t hit the heights that many hoped it would, it did show flashes of brilliance. With a fortified offensive line and dynamic receiving duo consisting of last year’s first rounder Rome Odunze and this year’s second rounder Luther Burden III, Chicago fans have reason to believe their team can punch above its weight.

Detroit Lions

The Lions enter 2025 with the same .571 strength of schedule as the Bears but significantly brighter momentum. Detroit’s resurgence under Coach Dan Campbell has been the story of the NFC over the last two years, with a team perfectly blending high-octane offense and opportunistic defense.

Despite their blockbuster 15-2 regular season last year, the Motor City outfit was still shockingly dumped out of the postseason by the upstart Commanders. It remains to be seen how they will respond to that heartbreaker, but if they don’t dust themselves down and pick themselves up, their troubling 2025 schedule could see their dream of a deep playoff run derailed once again.

Is this the dagger in the Lions season?

pic.twitter.com/LZ20Fv1x7a

— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) January 19, 2025

Key tests await against AFC juggernauts like Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs and Joe Burrow’s Bengals. Both squads are perennial Super Bowl contenders, and taking them on is a daunting task. The schedule doesn’t stop there, with key NFC matchups against the champion Eagles as well as a mouth-watering rematch against the resurgent Commanders.

Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs anchor what should continue to be an electric offense centered on creative play-calling. Quarterback Jared Goff is the one who pieces everything together, and he will have to continue in the kind of form he has shown over the last two years if his Lions side is to survive and thrive against stacked competitors.

Their issues in the secondary were exposed brutally by Washington in last season’s Divisional Round. If those frailties remain in 2025, then they could see themselves getting pieced up on a regular basis.

The post Chicago Bears and the Teams With the Toughest Schedules in 2025 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

For the second consecutive season, optimism runs high in Chicago.

Last summer, it was the promise that arrived with quarterback Caleb Williams as a generational prospect and No. 1 overall pick at quarterback dropped into an offense that included veteran playmakers like Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, and D’Andre Swift along with fellow top-15 pick Rome Odunze at wide receiver that many believed would lift the Chicago Bears back into the postseason.

However, after a tumultuous 2024 campaign that saw Williams’ rookie season marred by inconsistency and awful coaching which led to the firings of former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus, in-season, hope once again springs eternal thanks to the arrival of head coach Ben Johnson, some potentially explosive weapons around Williams on offense and wholesale improvements along an offensive line that surrendered 68 sacks last fall.

Chicago Bears listed among most improved teams by ESPN

Heralded by Johnson and his track record as not just a bonafide quarterback whisperer but innovative playcaller along with significant upgrades along both lines of scrimmage, the Bears are becoming a chic pick to turn things around this season.

Over at ESPN, analyst Ben Solak lists the Bears as one of the most improved teams across the NFL.

“It has been five months since the 2024 regular season ended,” Solak writes of the Bears. “And we’re still uncovering more layers of the coaching ineptitude in Chicago. Caleb Williams’ rookie season was rife with concerning film, but it’s quite easy to attribute his spiraling to the poor coaching. With Ben Johnson on hand and Dennis Allen running the defense, the Bears should be far more functional in 2025. Their substantial offseason additions on offense could define a very high ceiling, if they hit.”

The Bears have added enough to compete in the NFC North

That the Bears play in arguably the most competitive division in football could make a turnaround a daunting one, but if Johnson is able to guide Chicago back to the postseason, it will make the feat all the more impressive.

After all, Williams’ development holds the key to the Bears’ trajectory as a franchise, but adding the likes of veterans Grady Jarrett, Dayo Odeyingbo, Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman, bolstering critical needs at positions critical to success just might justify this spring’s optimism compared to last summer’s fool’s gold.

The post From “spiraling” to breakout, Chicago Bears listed among most improved NFL teams appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The San Francisco 49ers made a long-term commitment to quarterback Brock Purdy last week, and could turn to a former Chicago Bears wide receiver to upgrade the talent around their freshly minted $265 million quarterback.

Former Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen remains available, even as OTAs roll on across the country, and according to Bleacher Report, the 49ers could be an ideal destination.

“With the absence of Aiyuk and uncertainty around Demarcus Robinson, Allen would be a solid fit to round out three-receiver sets alongside Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall. He’s also an upgrade over Robinson and would allow the 49ers to slowly ease Aiyuk back into action.”

Allen, 33, at the very least would be a quality depth addition to the 49ers’ receiving crops after catching 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns in Bears quarterback Caleb Williams‘ arsenal.

Likewise, given Jauan Jennings and Ricky Persall’s combined five years of experience, adding a veteran presence such as Allen could make an outsized impact on a receiving corps that moved on from Deebo Samuel this offseason.

Why haven’t the Chicago Bears brought Keenan Allen back?

General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have overhauled Williams’ supporting cast in the span of one offseason, and at least one of the moves is a key indicator of why Chicago has made little effort to re-sign Allen.

While Johnson has raved about second-year receiver Rome Odunze in the early portion of OTA practices this spring, selecting Luther Burden III in the second round, which in a lot of ways was doubling down on setting Williams up to make big strides, likely sealed Allen’s fate.

Burden, 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, essentially fills the role that Allen had been occupying in the Bears’ offense, while resetting the financial clock with a player viewed as one of the top prospects in a deep class at receiver.

The post Former Chicago Bears WR could land with perennial contender appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The NFC North has run through the Motor City the past two seasons, but the race for the division crown could take a detour through Chicago in 2025, according to one top NFL analyst.

While the Lions still boast one of the most gifted collections of young homegrown talent across the league, Detroit is a franchise in a state of transition as this season nears, not the least of which is because of Ben Johnson’s arrival as Chicago Bears head coach.

How the Detroit Lions’ run atop the NFC North could be ended by the Chicago Bears

NFL Media analyst Judy Bautista ranked each reigning division winner by how vulnerable they are to fall from their perch this season, with the Lions atop the list.

Not surprisingly, Bautista points out the significant overhaul the Bears have made through the course of this offseason as a major threat to a Lions three-peat.

“The NFC North came down to the final game of the 2024 regular season,” Bautista points out for NFL Media. “There’s no reason to think the division, which just sent three teams to the playoffs, won’t be as ferocious in 2025, particularly with the anticipated improvement of the Bears, who are coming off a last-place finish. The Vikings are making a switch at quarterback, but how do you bet against Kevin O’Connell making the right choice and having J.J. McCarthy ready, especially after Minnesota did so much to fortify the interior of the offensive line, the team’s biggest weakness in 2024? The Packers gave Jordan Love a first-round wide receiver.

“… While the Bears have done everything possible to make life better for Caleb Williams, from hiring Ben Johnson as head coach to overhauling the interior O-line to spending their first two draft picks on TE Colston Loveland and WR Luther Burden III. All of that makes for a whole lot of competition for the Lions, who are still flush with talent, but must adjust to two new coordinators after Johnson and Aaron Glenn got head-coaching jobs. Even if that process turns out to be seamless, it’s easy to envision the division again coming down to the final week.”

This is a division that sent three times to the postseason in 2024, but few franchises across the league have added more significant veteran talent and leadership while building around a young and ascending homegrown quarterback as the Bears have done with Williams.

If Johnson’s impact on the offense is as significant as many expect, the offensive line gels with the additions of All-Pro Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman, this group could soar in 2025. Likewise, general manager Ryan Poles gave the Bears’ pass rush some teeth with the additions of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency before adding quality depth there during the NFL Draft.

Given what the Lions have lost, and what the Bears have gained, the division championship could be there for the taking by Chicago this fall.

The post Chicago Bears’ offseason puts Detroit Lions on notice in the NFC North appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Multiple players on the Chicago Bears roster met with the media on Tuesday following the start of the Bears’ voluntary offseason program. The team got to meet with head coach Ben Johnson and his coaching staff for the very first time this year.

It looks like the Bears head coach is already winning over multiple players in the locker room. Starting linebacker Tremaine Edmunds revealed to the media that Johnson gave a fiery message to the Bears roster at the start of OTAs. Johnson’s message to the team was simple, but effective.

 The Chicago Bears head coach is officially in win-now mode

Edmunds told the media that Johnson’s message to the team was that “it is time to win now” and that he had control of the locker room, citing that it is rare for that from a “first-time head coach.”

Tremaine Edmunds is up & says the team met with Ben Johnson for the first time & his message was the time is to win now & how he was very intense & had control of the locker room which he said is rare for a first time coach pic.twitter.com/jKVzjqboj0

— 79th & Halas Podcast (@79thAndHalas) April 8, 2025

Edmunds explained to the media that you could feel the confidence and intensity that Johnson brings to the team, and also referred to him as the “real deal”.

Tremaine Edmunds on Ben Johnson's opening remarks to the Bears: "You can feel it, the confidence level. Being a first-time head coach, being able to address the room, that’s important. You feel that as players. … I felt that. I’m like, ‘OK, this guy’s the real deal.’"

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) April 8, 2025

Another interesting part of Edmunds’ presser was when he discussed the mentality that the new head coach of the Bears brings to the table.

“He don’t just want to win, we want to win by a lot. We wanna dominate. That’s important.”

"(Ben Johnson) don't just wanna win, we wanna win by a lot. We wanna dominate. That's important."

Tremaine Edmunds on Ben Johnson's mentality. pic.twitter.com/g7vpUxVnOJ

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 8, 2025

The Bears have improved their roster on both sides of the ball this offseason, specifically in the trenches. They added players such as Joe Thuney, Grady Jarrett, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. With the NFL draft coming up, they will have more opportunities to make the roster even better for the 2025 season.

It seems that the Bears coaching staff has very high expectations for the team. Hopefully, Chicago will have a much-improved season in 2025.

The post Chicago Bears Ben Johnson gives fiery message to team appeared first on ChiCitySports.

When you look at the Chicago Bears roster on paper, you’d like to think that even before the NFL draft commences, this team has a chance to make the playoffs. With QB Caleb Williams looking to build on a solid rookie season, he’ll need more protection from his offensive line, and support from the run game if he wants to take significant strides in year two.

The wide receiver corps shouldn’t be too much of a concern, even with Keenan Allen remaining unsigned. D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze could be a great duo going forward, and the Bears added some depth by recently signing former Washington Commander Olamide Zaccheaus, who is now third on the depth chart.

Although Zaccheaus is solid, a potential target has come up this week that could interest the Bears, and that is former first-round pick and five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Could the Chicago Bears take advantage of great value and sign Amari Cooper to fill the WR3 void?

With Amari Cooper remaining unsigned, and still only 30 years of age, the former Alabama standout could make a great third option for Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears. Not to mention, his play style is somewhat similar to Odunze’s, so a mentorship would likely be on the table as well.

Matt Lombardo of Between the Hashmarks wrote a column yesterday on Cooper’s fit with the Bears, and how it would make plenty of sense to at least entertain the idea, but also gave reasons as to why Cooper does remain on the market this late into free agency.

In a lot of ways, it’s anyone’s guess as to what exactly Amari Cooper is at this stage of his career. Cooper, 30, was a virtual nonfactor down the stretch last season, even with Josh Allen slinging it all over the yard. Dropping eight passes and only catching four touchdowns despite spending half the season in an otherwise prolific passing game is likely why he’s still available this late into free agency.

Lombardo makes good points, as it’s hard to determine what exactly Cooper’s role is in an NFL offense late in his career. He didn’t make enough splash plays to help the Buffalo Bills in their failed playoff run, and dropping eight passes just won’t cut it in today’s passing league.

Cooper has received interest from the Seattle Seahawks and has been linked to the New York Jets, but other than that, the buzz has been quiet. I’m not sure if it’s a player performance issue, or if Cooper is asking for too much money, but either way, he’s still available.

Why it makes sense for the Chicago Bears to sign Amari Cooper

On the flip side, as I mentioned earlier, the Bears could benefit from a guy like Cooper in the locker room. Over the past few seasons, the culture in Chicago has been lacking character and it has shown on the field.

Of course, this could change after bringing in yet another new head coach, but Ben Johnson has still only ever been an offensive coordinator. We all know that in the NFL, head coaching is just as much leading men in a locker room as it is the X’s and O’s.

Lombardo offered a counterpoint, as signing Cooper could be great value.

However, while D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze are, at minimum, an adequate receiving duo and at best potentially prolific in new head coach Ben Johnson’s scheme, the fact that Keenan Allen remains unsigned and Olamide Zaccheaus is Chicago’s No. 3 wide receiver speaks to the Bears’ lack of depth at the position. There’s no reason Cooper couldn’t push for Chicago’s No. 3 receiver role and be a value signing with upside.

The upside does outweigh the negative, especially if Cooper is given a smaller role. He’s not the number one target he used to be for the Raiders and Cowboys, but he could give you 25-30 catches and a few touchdowns, as well as help the younger guys in the locker room progress.

It’ll be interesting to see where Cooper ends up, that is assuming he does get signed in the future. The NFL is very cutthroat when you hit the “old” age of 30.

The post Could the Chicago Bears target five-time Pro Bowl wide out to bolster offense? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

After Ryan Poles recently hinted that the Chicago Bears were looking into adding a veteran quarterback, it is now confirmed that they have just done that.

The Bears have now added a veteran backup quarterback with plenty of years in the NFL under his belt.

The Bears have now added a veteran quarterback to help mentor Caleb Williams in his second season in the NFL. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bears have signed quarterback Case Keenum.

The Chicago Bears have signed veteran quarterback Case Keenum

According to Schefter, the deal is worth up to 3 million and is a one-year deal.

Veteran QB Case Keenum is signing a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Chicago Bears, per source. Keenum now will help mentor Caleb Williams in Chicago like he did for CJ Stroud in Houston. pic.twitter.com/4wDG8s3RRT

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2025

Keenum is most known for his 2017 stint with divisional rival the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings won the NFC North that season and lost in the NFC championship to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Keenum has played in the NFL for 12 seasons, most recently for the Houston Texans. The 37-year-old mentored Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, and it looks like the Bears want him to do the same with Caleb Williams. Having a veteran quarterback who has had multiple NFL starts in the regular season and playoffs could be very crucial and helpful for Williams’ continued development.

The post Chicago Bears sign veteran quarterback to a one year deal appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Ben Johnson broke the internet and intensified the rivalry between NFC North fanbases with a quippy one-line answer during his introductory press conference as Chicago Bears head coach.

“I kinda enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” Johnson said that day at Halas Hall, referring to his time as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, and now having the opportunity to stay in the division as a head coach.

Understandably, the line played much better across the Windy City than it did in the land of the frozen tundra.

Matt LaFleur brushes off Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s comments

For Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, it would have been easy to take Johnson’s comments as a shot across the bow, or even as bulletin board material to tuck away for when the teams meet this fall.

After all, LaFleur has led Green Bay to the postseason each of the past two years, and Johnson arrives in Chicago hoping to break the Bears’ four-year postseason drought.

LaFleur, though, didn’t take the bait.

“It’s all good,” LaFLeur told reporters at the NFL Annual Meeting in Fort Lauderdale. “I’m sure he’s playing to the fans a little bit. It is what it is. I’m not going to lose sleep over that.”

If nothing else, Johnson’s comments made for interesting fodder and could create some drama in the lead up to the Bears’ games against the Packers this season.

Johnson is also looking to build on his own success against the Packers, given that Detriot was just .500 against Green Bay during his six seasons in the Motor City. With an ascending young quarterback in Caleb Williams, some offensive firepower with receivers Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore aided by a bolstered offensive line, the Bears could be well positioned to help Johnson do exactly that.

The post “It is what it is” Packers’ Matt LaFleur fires back at Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears‘ success in 2025 will likely hinge on closing the gap on the likes of the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North.

Whether new head coach Ben Johnson can jumpstart quarterback Caleb Williams’ development in his second season, and spark an offensive renaissance similar to what he ushered into Detroit as the Lions’ former offensive coordinator at the helm of an offense that powered a run to the NFC Championship Game will likely determine the Bears’ trajectory this season.

Chicago, though, has plenty of reason to be optimistic after the offseason that general manager Ryan Poles has already pulled off, a month before the Bears even go on the clock with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Chicago Bears viewed as one of free agency’s biggest winners

Pro Football Focus’ Thomas Valentine put together a breakdown of each team’s offseason haul, so far, while offering a determination of whether each team got better or worse, including his suggestion that the Bears are “undeniably better” today than when the offseason began.

“The Bears undeniably got better in free agency,” Valentine writes for PFF. “Revamping an offensive line that caused issues all of last season by trading for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson while signing Drew Dalman to a three-year deal. Thuney is one of the best guards in the NFL and earned an 80.0 grade in 2024, the seventh-highest among guards. The interior of the offensive line now looks like a real strength and more in line with Ben Johnson’s likely vision for the offense.

“The Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo additions improve the defensive line, even if the money can be squinted at first and second glance. The Bears were one of the worst teams in the NFL in 2024, but they’ve noticeably improved in free agency. Lesser tiered additions like Devin Duvernay and Durham Smythe improve the overall depth of the roster too, and now the Bears head into the draft in a much better state than where they stood just two months ago.”

Poles managed through free agency to significantly bolster the veteran leadership, quality of depth at key positions across the roster, and improve the talent-level, overall, around what the Bears hope is an ascending young quarterback with yet to be untapped potential.

Beyond improving at key positions of need, the Bears are no longer forced into targeting an offensive lineman or a pass rusher or a defensive lineman to solve a problem during the draft but can focus on selecting either the best player available on the board or explosive playmakers to make Williams’ life easier and the offense potential more prolific.

It’s easy to crown a team like the Bears the champions of the offseason, but the caliber of additions Chicago has made so far, gives this team the chance to quickly turn a corner towards competing in 2025.

The post “Undeniable” NFL analyst has strong take on Chicago Bears’ free agent signings appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have had a fantastic offseason, where they’ve bolstered their offensive line to help out their franchise Quarterback Caleb Williams.

The Bears also added to the trenches on the other side of the ball by signing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyinbo to pair with Montez Sweat to give the Bears a formidable defense.

The Bears also added wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus as a third option for Williams to target and deepen the wide receiver core, which already features D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze.

The Bears weren’t content with the signings they’ve already made and added another weapon on special teams to hopefully be an impact player.

Chicago Bears sign 2x Pro Bowl returner

According to FOX NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Bears have an agreement on a one-year contract with wide receiver and kickoff/punt returner Devin Duvenay.

“Sources: The #Bears are in agreement on a 1-year deal with WR and 2x Pro Bowl returner Devin Duvernay.

Another key addition in Chicago.”

Sources: The #Bears are in agreement on a 1-year deal with WR and 2x Pro Bowl returner Devin Duvernay.

Another key addition in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/Gwprw28KuX

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 19, 2025

What Duvenay brings to the Bears

The former Jacksonville Jaguar and Baltimore Raven has a pedigree of being a 2x Pro bowler as a returner, which he accomplished with the Ravens in 2021 and 2022. He was also named an All-Pro in 2021 alongside his Pro Bowl nod.

In his career as a returner, the 27-year-old Duvernay has returned two kickoffs for returns, with his longest return being 103 yards, which he did back in 2022.

Last season with the Jags, Duvernay played in 13 games as both a receiver and a returner. When receiving, Duvernay caught 11 passes and averaged 7.2 yards a catch with zero touchdowns.

When he was used as a punt returner, Duvernay had 19 attempts, where he racked up 167 yards, with his longest return being 53 yards. For kickoffs, Duvernay totaled 351 yards, with his longest being 34 yards.

Another good signing

Duvernay signing marks another great addition to add more depth to the roster.

General manager Ryan Poles has been active this offseason, which he needed to be, which is great to see as Bears fans.

Williams is a special talent and is still on his rookie contract, so adding pieces around him while he’s still cheap is what the Bears should be doing to build a Super Bowl-contending team.

The post Chicago Bears sign 2x Pro Bowl player to bolster special teams: Insider appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have quickly overhauled and elevated the talent across the offensive line, and now general manager Ryan Poles and Co. can turn their attention to upgrading the front-seven on defense.

Signing defensive tackle Grady Jarrett was a significant step in the right direction, both in terms of adding savvy veteran leadership up front but also in creating a potentially dominant interior pass rush capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

However, one big need that the Bears have yet to fix is adding a disruptive pass rusher to pair opposite Montez Sweat. That might be about to change.

Trey Hendrickson could be in play for the Chicago Bears

Before free agency even began, All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals, and the likelihood of him actually getting moved may have just improved exponentially.

Cincinnati may have more urgency to deal Hendrickson, after committing $276 million, combined, to wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Retaining two of quarterback Joe Burrow’s most reliable and favorite targets was clearly an organizational priority in a way that retaining one of the top pass rushers in the sport was not, to the Bengals.

The Bears have been linked as a possible destination for Hendrickson because of the combination of a significant need at the position as well as the resources Poles and Chicago have at their disposal to put together both an appealing trade package and a lucrative contract for the 30-year-old who has posted 17.5 sacks each of the past two seasons.

Chicago still has $30.2 million in cap space this offseason, after acquiring Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Grady Jarrett in the early stages of free agency, and are projected to be upwards of $214 million under the cap in 2026, which is abundant spending flexibility to fit a long-term extension for Hendrickson under the cap.

Meanwhile, the Bears have two second-round picks in this April’s draft, as well as the No. 10 overall selection, to dangle to Cincinnati as part of a package for Hendrickson.

An argument can be made that the Bears would get more out of trading at least one of their premium picks for Hendrickson based on his impact on the defense, and Chicago looking to accelerate its timeline to make a deep postseason run.

It remains to be seen whether the Bears can pull off a trade, but it just became much more difficult for the Bengals to keep Hendrickson and a blockbuster deal could be the next shoe to drop for Cincinnati this offseason.

The post It just got easier for Chicago Bears to land top trade target appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen remains available as NFL free agency reaches its second week, and the veteran could be on the move.

Allen, 32, arrived in Chicago in exchange for a fourth-round pick in last spring’s NFL Draft in a blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Chargers and spent much of last season attempting to get on the same page with no. 1 overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams.

It is entirely possible that Allen may be about to go through the exact same process this fall.

Could Keenan Allen sign with the Denver Broncos?

Bleacher Report NFL analyst Kristopher Knox put together a list of the best fits for the top remaining free agents, including Allen landing with the Denver Broncos, in quarterback Bo Nix’s revamped supporting cast.

“Allen would fit well into Denver’s offense,” Knox writes for B/R. “Where he could spell Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele on the perimeter or in the slot. His route-running, hands and experience could also benefit young quarterback Bo Nix as he continues to develop.”

Denver has spent the early stages of the offseason adding reliable weapons for Nix, including signing veteran tight end Evan Engram, and emerging receiver Trent Sherfield, but Allen may be the best fit of all.

Signing Allen would give the Broncos a complementary playmaker to Courtland Sutton, on the perimeter, and a savvy veteran who Nix could depend on. After all, Williams had a 98.4 passer rating when targeting Allen, who still flashed an ability to stretch the field with a 10.1 yards average depth of target.

Allen could still return to the Bears, but as free agency enters its second week could see a robust market develop, including possibly landing in Sean Payton’s offense with Nix.

The post Chicago Bears playmaker’s best free agent fit revealed appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones is heading south, after agreeing to terms on a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Jones, 27, has caught 12 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown, since being chosen by the Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-3 and 201 pound former USC and University of Tennessee standout had also been a mainstay on special teams for the Bears, through the first three seasons of his career.

A versatile playmaker who also played running back at times for the Bears, Jones was dogged by ball security issues, resulting in four fumbles through his first 29 games.

The Bears released Jones on October 25, and he spent time with the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars during the closing stretch of the 2024 regular season.

In New Orleans, Jones could compete for snaps behind running back Alvin Kamara or look to climb the depth chart at wide receiver, which is largely devoid of talent behind Chris Olave, Cedric Wilson Jr., and Dante Pettis.

Chicago Bears sign Jonah Jackson to a contract extension

The Bears didn’t waste any time committing to newly signed offensive lineman Jonah Jackson.

One day after being introduced to the media in Chicago, the Bears agreed to terms with Jackson on an extension that will keep him in the Windy City through the 2027 campaign.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Media, Jackson will receive an additional $7 million fully guaranteed in 2026, including an additional $5.5 million injury guarantee tacked onto his deal.

Jackson is a key piece of the Bears’ overhauled interior of the offensive line, which also includes All-Pro Joe Thuney and free agent pickup Drew Dalman.

The post Former Chicago Bears wide receiver signing with New Orleans Saints appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have done a fantastic job this offseason at adding to their offensive line for next season with the additions of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson.

These additions to the trenches are what the Bears needed to help better protect their franchise Quarterback, Caleb Williams, who got sacked 68 times, which led the NFL.

The Bears aren’t done adding to the offense, as they appear to be adding another receiver for Williams to target.

The Chicago Bears to add another receiver

The Bears look like they’re adding another wide receiver into the mix, with them appearing to be signing former Washington Commanders wideout Olamide Zaccheaus, per Tom Pelissero.

“Veteran WR Olamide Zaccheaus is signing with the #Bears, per source. OZ had a career-high 45 catches and three TDs last season with Washington. Another weapon for Caleb Williams.“

Veteran WR Olamide Zaccheaus is signing with the #Bears, per source.

OZ had a career-high 45 catches and three TDs last season with Washington. Another weapon for Caleb Williams. pic.twitter.com/FU09Acf7dO

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2025

Zaccheaus will likely be the third option in an already deep wide receiving core, joining D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, who will be the No. 1 and No. 2 options for this season.

Zaccheaus was with the Commanders last season, playing in all 17 games while starting six. For his season Zaccheaus had a total of 506 receiving yards while scoring three touchdowns.

When he wasn’t receiving Zaccheaus was used as a punt returner, where he tallied 179 yards, with his longest return being 24 yards.

Another good signing for the Bears

Zaccheaus is another excellent signing by general manager Ryan Poles, who has had one of the better offseasons by a GM so far.

With Moore and Odunze set to be the primary receivers, Zaccheaus can expect some packages to be drawn up for him in the offense, but he could be used as a punt returner and on kickoffs again for next season.

The post Chicago Bears to add another receiver to their already deep core: Insider appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Both Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson vowed during the NFL Combine to be aggressive this offseason, and a week before free agency is set to begin the franchise is already following through on that promise.

“The clearer the vision, the more aggressive you can be,” Poles told reporters in Indianapolis during the Combine.

So far, Poles has landed guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney in trades with the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chefs, as major upgrades to the offensive line in front of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, and his aggressiveness might just be beginning this offseason.

If the Bears are going to take the next step competing in the NFC North, it will take more than fortifying the offensive line or adding a playmaker to Williams’ arsenal on offense, Poles also needs to make adding game-altering playmakers at all three levels of the defense a priority in the months ahead.

Could the Chicago Bears trade for Von Miller?

With free agency just over one week away, and teams needing to get cap compliant before March 14, Bleacher Report put together a list of trades teams could make to create cap space, including the Buffalo Bills sending Von Miller to the Bears.

“However, a team with a ton of cap space like the Chicago Bears may be willing to acquire the 14-year veteran. The Bears can mix and match a young pass-rusher with Miller opposite of Montez Sweat on the edge. In Chicago, Miller would reunite with Dennis Allen, who was his first defensive coordinator in the NFL.”

Miller would be an intriguing option for the Bears, but there may be veterans with more upside available in the coming weeks, in addition to a strong draft class at the position.

However, one of the advantages to Poles flipping perhaps a sixth-round pick in exchange for Miller would be getting ahead of the market. But, by trading for Miller, the Bears would be absorbing his remaining contract which includes upwards of $8.4 million in 2025.

Miller, 35, has just 14 sacks over the past three seasons and has suffered several significant injuries over that time. As part of a rotation of rushers, Miller could provide some value, but the Bears may be wise to look elsewhere for a starting caliber player to pair opposite Montez Sweat along the front seven.

The post Chicago Bears urged to trade for 7X All-Pro Pass Rusher appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Los Angeles Chargers moved on from one of the greatest players to play for the franchise this century, pass rusher Joey Bosa, and the Chicago Bears would be wise to aggressively pursue the five-time Pro Bowler.

Bosa, 29, could be a difference-making answer to one of the Bears’ biggest offseason needs, adding a disruptive complementary pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat.

The 6-foot-5 and 280-pound former No. 3 overall pick out of Ohio State is fresh off an injury-shortened 2024 campaign in which he produced five sacks and 22 total tackles in 14 games.

Since the Chargers released Bosa before the new league year begins and free agency officially opens, he is free to sign with any team, immediately.

Why Joey Bosa would elevate the Chicago Bears Defense

General Manager Ryan Poles has already been aggressive this offseason, pulling off a pair of trades to significantly upgrade the offensive line, acquiring guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, and investing some of Chicago’s abundant cap space in a premier edge rusher — and getting ahead of the market could be prudent.

The Bears currently have approximately $50.3 million in cap space, which is plenty of spending flexibility to sign Bosa, and still be targeted at key positions in free agency.

As the Philadelphia Eagles showed in Super Bowl LIX, few things matter more to a dominant defense, or a team’s championship aspirations, than having a disruptive defensive line capable of leading a barrage of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Bosa would be a big step towards building that kind of front for the Bears.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bosa logged 34 total pressures and 10 quarterback hits, which ranked 19th in the NFL.

While the NFL Draft offers some potentially difference-making edge rushers, the Bears may prefer to invest the No. 10 pick in a dynamic offensive playmaker, and signing Bosa would be a step closer to allowing Poles and the Bears to select the best player on the board, rather than drafting for need.

Likewise, the free agent market is thin on proven commodities with upside, outside of the likes of Josh Sweat and Khalil Mack who could fetch market-setting contracts, so signing Bosa would check another big item off Poles’ to-do list and likely without completely breaking the bank.

The post Chicago Bears must be aggressive with pass rush target who just hit the market appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears signed Keenan Allen in hopes that the veteran wide receiver would prove to be a reliable and productive target for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, but the pair never quite got on the same page in 2024.

Allen, 32, was besieged by foot and ankle injuries throughout last season, as well, which limited his upside and seemed to impact his timing with Williams throughout the season.

Could Keenan Allen walk in free agency?

Over the past two offseasons, the Bears have invested significant resources at wide receiver.

The Bears acquired D.J. Moore in a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers, back in 2023, and chose Rome Odunze in the first round of last spring’s NFL Draft, out of the University of Washington, after acquiring Allen in a trade with the Chargers.

However, with the new league year looming and free agency about to get underway, the Bears could once again see some turnover at receiver this offseason.

Pro Football Focus suggests Allen will reach free agency and play elsewhere in 2025.

“After being acquired by Chicago for a fourth-round pick last March, Keenan Allen is set to hit free agency,” Mason Cameron writes for PFF. “With the Bears looking to reinvest that cap space into their offensive line. At 32, Allen enters the market following the lowest-graded season of his career but should still attract interest from teams seeking a veteran presence and a savvy route-runner out of the slot.”

If Allen walks, the Bears could look to target one of the top receiver prospects early in this year’s draft, or even go shopping for an upgrade at the top of the free-agent market.

Armed with roughly $80 million in cap space, if general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears believe a receiver such as Stefon Diggs, or Chris Godwin, or Marquise “Hollywood” Brown have more upside than Allen was able to offer, Chicago could look to bring in a veteran to round out what has the potential to be a reliable and explosive trio of receivers.

The post Chicago Bears expected to lose one of Caleb Williams’ weapons in free agency appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears‘ chances of signing Trey Smith were torpedoed when the Kansas City Chiefs decided to use the franchise tag on the top guard expected to be available this offseason, but that doesn’t mean general manager Ryan Poles doesn’t have options to upgrade at the position.

Monday, the guard market became a little more robust when the Cincinnati Bengals released veteran Alex Cappa.

Cappa, 30, is now eligible to sign with any team, and doesn’t need to wait until the new league year begins and free agency opens on March 14.

Could the Chicago Bears target Alex Cappa?

It’s easy to see why the Bengals moved on from Cappa.

Since the move, designated as a post-June 1 release, frees up $8.1 million in cap space this season, Cincinnati now has a bit more spending flexibility as it enters an offseason where re-signing wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson could be top priorities.

Whether the Bears swoop in and sign Cappa, who gets a jumpstart on picking his next destination, remains to be seen.

At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Cappa struggled mightily last season, allowing eight sacks en route to a lousy 39.7 pass protection grade from Pro Football Focus.

Perhaps Chicago believes that a change of scenery would benefit Cappa and that he might be a better scheme fit along the Bears’ offensive line. However, coming off a disappointing season, Cappa is unlikely to see a strong market develop, and as a result perhaps Chicago could scoop him up as veteran depth along a unit likely to be in transition this offseason.

The post New Chicago Bears offensive guard target suddenly hits the market appeared first on ChiCitySports.

As everyone knows, the biggest positional weakness for the Chicago Bears is the offensive line.

The offensive line has struggled greatly for the past years, especially in 2024. Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times in his rookie year and that needs to not happen again. The offensive line also struggled with injuries, run-blocking, and pre-snap penalties. The Bears must upgrade their offensive line during free agency and in the 2025 draft.

Chicago now has over 79 million in cap space after releasing DeMarcus Walker and Gerald Everett. Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson have plenty of resources and a great opportunity to fix this very weak offensive line.

The Chicago Bears must upgrade the interior offensive line

Currently, the Bears are likely to move on from guard Teven Jenkins and have no stability at right guard. They also desperately need a center due to Coleman Shelton being a free agent after a struggling 2024 season.

Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright will be returning for the 2025 season at left and right tackle. However, the Bears must look into upgrading at both guard and center.

According to a new report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chicago Bears are eyeing three free agent offensive linemen and are expected to sign at least one of them during the start of free agency.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler revealed that three top free agents are on Chicago’s radar

Fowler has revealed that two top guards and one of the top centers in free agency are being eyed by the Chicago Bears.

“The sense is Chicago will sign at least one interior offensive linemen. Drew Dalman, 49ers guard Aaron Banks and Colts guard Will Fries are among players on the radar. Like Dalman, Banks and Fries are in line for sizable contracts. Guards dominated free agency last year and will do well once again. The Giants, Cardinals and Seahawks are lurking in this market, too.”

Aaron Banks and Will Fries would be massive upgrades at guard for Chicago. Poles and Johnson need to get one of them to sign with Chicago, especially after losing out on Trey Smith. Many reporters and analysts have linked both Banks and Fries to the Bears and it now looks like at least one of them will be signed.

Drew Dalman is arguably the best center available in free agency and is considered a top five center in the NFL. The Bears should make signing Dalman a priority. Chicago has struggled at the center position for a long time, going all the way back to the Nagy head coaching years. The Atlanta Falcons center has been very impressive on the run block as well and has not allowed many penalties.

The Bears need to act fast this free agency. With multiple teams lurking in for upgrading their offensive line, Chicago needs to at least sign a couple of key free agents.

Having a much improved offensive line will lead to bigger growth from Caleb Williams and will also help Ben Johnson’s offense succeed greatly.

The post Chicago Bears eyeing top free agent offensive linemen: Report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The most important position group the Chicago Bears need to look into upgrading in free agency is the offensive line. With over 79 million dollars in cap-space, the Bears need to upgrade at both guard and center. It is expected that Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson are expected to heavily invest in the trenches during free agency and the draft.

Unfortunately, the top offensive line target Trey Smith will not be coming to Chicago this season. Kansas City gave him the franchise tag, signing him to a 1-year contract on Thursday. With Smith being not an option anymore, Poles must look into more options. There is one very notable free agent that would be a massive upgrade for the Bears.

The Chicago Bears should sign Drew Dalman

A notable free agent center that has been frequently linked to Chicago is Drew Dalman.

The Atlanta Falcons center Dalman is one offensive lineman that the Bears should strongly consider signing. Chicago has had problems at center for many years. Coleman Shelton struggled badly in 2024, Sam Mustipher struggled greatly during his time with the Bears, and Lucas Patrick got frequently injured as well.

The Bears need to pair Caleb Williams with a young center that can be a part of this team for a long time. The 26-year-old had a PFF grade of 78.8. This grade was the fourth best grade out of 64 centers in the NFL. The 2021 4th round pick started only 9 games in 2024 but only allowed 2 sacks. In the season prior, Dalman had a very impressive PFF grade of 82.3.

Dalman has been one of the best centers in the NFL and would be a no brainer for the Bears to sign. The Bears could potentially look into signing him into a 3 or 4-year deal. Chicago would still have plenty of money to spend on other needed positions such as guard and edge rusher.

Why Drew Dalman makes perfect sense for Chicago

The four-year veteran would be an instant boost for Chicago’s struggling offensive line. Dalman has also exceled on run-blocking especially. Dalman had a run-block grade of 79.8, ranking fifth overall. The Bears’ run blocking was a key weakness of the 2024 season, and it must improve in order to get D’Andre Swift back on track.

Here is some film showing Dalman’s impressive blocking on both the run and pass, broken down by well-known Bears reporter Nicholas Moreano:

My first takeaway after watching just a half of Drew Dalman is that he has some elite quickness from the center position.

Immediately after the snap, Dalman down blocks Moro Ojomo and that helps Bijan Robinson gain 15 yards on this run. pic.twitter.com/qV0APA4e1O

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) February 18, 2025

Play 10. pic.twitter.com/BAOp7flin0

— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) February 20, 2025

The Bears need to hit big on the center position in free agency, and Drew Dalman is exactly who the Bears need to sign in order to protect Caleb Williams.

The post Chicago Bears 2025 Free Agency Player Profile: Drew Dalman appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have a plan for the 2025 offseason. Do we know what that plan is? No, but many can assume it involves improving one of the worst offensive lines in football. To protect their expensive and valuable investment in quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears will need to address that issue in some form this spring.

One of the Bears’ top targets this free agency was Pro-Bowl guard Trey Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs, who was set to hit the market in the coming weeks. Unfortunately for the front office, the Chiefs announced yesterday that they will be retaining Smith via the franchise tag.

The 25-year-old was expected to have major interest around the league. He now will play on a lucrative 25.8 million-dollar contract this season, thanks to the salary cap spike.

Biggs: Super Bowl LIX outcome may have changed the Chiefs’ outlook on the Chicago Bears’ target Trey Smith

Weeks ago, it seemed it was a forgone conclusion that Trey Smith would be entering free agency. With the Chiefs looking to save money, and making another Super Bowl appearance, it seemed they could likely replace Smith with ease in the draft. Well, the importance of their offensive line was shown in Super Bowl LIX.

Patrick Mahomes was sacked more in this past Super Bowl than he was in any game in his entire career, regular season or playoffs. The stout Philadelphia Eagles defensive line got to Mahomes 6 times, making for one of his worst performances during his young Hall of Fame career.

The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs mentioned in his mailbag today that the performance of the Chiefs offensive line in the Super Bowl played a factor in their decision to bring him back, even at that hefty pricetag. Biggs mentioned the Chiefs were focused on bringing back Nick Bolton and extending Trent McDuffie, then things changed.

But then the Chiefs were trampled in Super Bowl LIX as they struggled mightily to protect Mahomes. The buzz all this week was that they’re changing course again and will do what it takes to keep Smith. GM Brett Veach expressed optimism a deal would get done, and word spread Thursday afternoon that the Chiefs have informed Smith they will use the franchise tag on him with a goal of reaching agreement on a multiyear deal.

Biggs also alludes to the fact that Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was in Kansas City when they selected Smith in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft, so the dots were there to be connected. Onto the next one for the Bears GM, as he figures to be quite busy in the coming weeks.

Now the attention turns to guys Drew Dalman and Kevin Zeitler, who now may gain more interest around the league after the Trey Smith news. The pricetag for both and others will also most likely rise, but that shouldn’t be a problem for the Bears who currently sit at 4th in the NFL when it comes to cap space.

There are also a few guys they can target in the 2025 NFL Draft, a class that I believe has some gems at offensive line in every round, even the day three selections. Check out our most recent mock draft to get an idea on some of the names the Bears could be interested in.

However they do it, changes need to be made up front this offseason.

The post Report: Super Bowl performance may have impacted Chicago Bears chances to land stud free agent appeared first on ChiCitySports.

General manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears sound like an organization that’s prepared to be aggressive in free agency.

Poles enters the offseason armed with upwards of $69.9 million in cap space, plenty of spending flexibility to fortify the offensive line in front of former No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, at quarterback, as well as the No. 10 overall pick to add some blue-chip talent to the roster.

While the offense garners the headlines and may prove to be the most vital side of the ball to the Bears’ trajectory as a franchise, Chicago can’t afford to overlook the holes on defense this offseason.

Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson addresses Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby speculation

Defensively, the Philadelphia Eagles proved in this year’s Super Bowl that dominance begins in the trenches, and especially off the edge when it comes to generating relentless pressure on the opposing quarterback.

As the Bears look to build out the front seven, adding a dynamic and game-altering presence opposite pass rusher Montez Sweat has to rank high on Poles’ priority list this offseason.

“We want playmakers all over the roster,” Johnson told reporters on the first day of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “Doesn’t matter, offense, defense, D line, secondary we want them all over the place. As an offensive guy, I look at defensive players and if it’s an issue for me playing against, then absolutely we’d love to have them on our roster.

“It isn’t always that easy. It comes down to 11 guys doing their job. If they don’t have that star power, that’s okay you can still be an effective unit.“We want as many playmakers and stars as we possibly can. But we know complimentary football wins in this league. Eleven guys playing as one also wins in this league.”

The Bears’ philosophy on defense will likely take shape on the practice fields at Halas Hall this spring and summer, but we may be about to get a close look at how that unit is going to take shape.

Given that trade speculation is reaching a crescendo surrounding Cleveland Browns former NFL Defensive Player of The Year Myles Garrett and Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro Maxx Crosby, combined with Chicago’s abundant resources, Chicago could be in the mix.

Whether the Raiders or Browns wind up trading Crosby or Garrett remains to be seen, but Johnson sounds intent on adding game-altering talent across the roster this offseason.

The post Chicago Bears Ben Johnson drops bold ‘playmaker’ take amid Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby uncertainty appeared first on ChiCitySports.

With NFL free agency nearby, the Chicago Bears must sign an elite pass-rusher to boost the defense. Since 2022, the Bears pass rush has struggled greatly. The trade for Montez Sweat in 2023 has helped improve the pass rush, however the Bears desperately need another edge rusher on the opposite side of Sweat.

The Bears have plenty of cap space to work with for free agency as they have nearly 80 million in cap space. They added an additional 10 million in cap space by releasing veteran defensive end DeMarcus Walker and tight end Gerald Everett. Chicago has a prime opportunity to sign a top defensive free agent to fix their weak pass rush.

Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson could choose from many free-agent options; however, one legendary player makes too much sense for the Bears to pursue. That would be none other than Khalil Mack.

Why signing Khalil Mack makes sense for the Chicago Bears

Mack is gonna be in very high demand this offseason as he is the fifth-ranked NFL free agent via PFF.

The 34-year-old Los Angeles Charger is still putting up great numbers even though he is at the end of his career. Mack had an overall PFF grade of 90.4, which was fifth out of 211 edge rushers. He also ranked second overall in run defense with a grade of 88.0. The Bears struggled with defending the run in 2024 and bringing the former Bear in would be a major upgrade to the defense.

The 9-time pro-bowler and 2016 defensive player of the year had seven sacks and two forced fumbles during the 2024 season and has shown he is still an elite pass-rusher in the NFL.

Mack also previously played for Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen when he was with the Raiders and would instantly fit in Allen’s 3-4 defensive scheme.

Khalil Mack was a massive fan favorite during his time in Chicago

Khalil Mack was dominant during his time with the Bears. He was explosive on the pass rush and was a powerhouse. “The Mack Attack” was beloved by all of us Bears fans, and if number 52 came back to Chicago, fans would be fired up no doubt.

Who needs coffee when you have @NFL’s 10 best Khalil Mack highlights? pic.twitter.com/3aVAbN3G8J

— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) February 22, 2019

Khalil Mack vs. the Buccaneers:

2 sacks
1 hit
2 hurries
1 batted pass

1 Tristan Wirfs hip tosspic.twitter.com/GbeqpdUDvO

— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) October 9, 2020

The Bears could possibly sign Mack to a 1 or 2-year deal, and use the draft to find a long-term replacement at edge rusher.

With free agency coming up quickly, it is only a matter of time until we find out who the Bears will end up signing.

The post Chicago Bears 2025 NFL Free Agency Player Profile: Khalil Mack appeared first on ChiCitySports.

For the third consecutive offseason, wide receiver could be a position in focus for the Chicago Bears.

Given the uncertainty surrounding Keenan Allen’s immediate future, and the Bears’ need to surround Caleb Williams with dynamic weapons, general manager Ryan Poles could look to add a receiver during free agency or the NFL Draft with the upside of being able to step in and start immediately.

Moore has been everything the Bears envisioned when they acquired him via a trade with the Carolina Panthers, but saw his yardage dip amid inconsistent play from quarterback Caleb Williams last season, catching 96 passes for 966 yards and six touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Odunze burst onto the scene by catching 54 of his 96 targets, as a rookie, for 734 yards and three touchdowns. Odunze seemed to be the first Bears receiver to truly dial in with Williams, who had an 86.9 passer rating when throwing in the former University of Washington standout’s direction.

Poles and the Bears front office could look to add veteran receiver depth once free agency begins.

Why the Chicago Bears could target Darius Slayton

Darius Slayton, 28, enters free agency after developing into one of the New York Giants’ most consistent threats in the passing game since being chosen in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-1 and 198-pound former Auburn standout caught 39 passes for 573 yards and two touchdowns last season, and has pulled down 259 career receptions for 3,897 yards and 21 touchdowns through his first 92 games.

Given the Giants’ uncertainty at quarterback combined with Malik Nabers’ emergence as an explosive playmaker in the vertical passing game, the Bears could be a situation Slayton finds alluring. After all, he’d walk into a vital role as a slot receiver in head coach Ben Johnson’s scheme, and wouldn’t need to be the focal point to thrive alongside Moore and Odunze in Williams’ arsenal.

Why Darius Slayton may not sign with the Chicago Bears

There are going to be several teams in the market for receiver help this offseason, and Slayton’s track record for consistency could make him one of the more coveted players at the position.

Given that Slayton isn’t necessarily a top of the depth chart caliber receiver, if he has designs on chasing a Super Bowl, there might be better situations to play for a contender than signing with the Bears would provide this offseason.

The post Chicago Bears 2025 free agency profile: Darius Slayton appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have some fascinating decisions to make at running back.

New Bears coach Ben Johnson’s system was its most effective, during his time as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, rotating David Montgomery and emerging star Jahmyr Gibbs in the backfield.

Last season, the Lions’ explosive duo combined for 2,187 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns, as a backbone and driving force of Detroit’s prolific offense.

Meanwhile, Johnson arrives in Chicago with versatile back D’Andre Swift as the focal point of the Bears’ ground attack, but the new head coach along with general manager Ryan Poles could look to add a major upgrade at the position.

How D’Andre Swift could impact the Chicago Bears’ plans at running back

ESPN NFL Insider Dan Graziano profiled the biggest offseason decisions facing each team, including whether Swift’s presence would impact Chicago’s plans of pursuing one of the top free agent backs or a top running back prospect in this year’s draft, such as Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.

“Probably not,” Graziano writes for ESPN. “The free agent running back boom of 2024, of which Swift was one of the beneficiaries, is not likely to repeat itself this year, when the top free agent backs are guys like Najee Harris, Aaron Jones and Alexander Mattison. Swift is making $8 million this year, and of that, $6.11 million is fully guaranteed. So there’s a good chance he’s on the 2025 roster. But there has been a lot of chatter out there about the Bears adding another back — most of it based on the David Montgomery/Jahmyr Gibbs formula that the Lions used when new Bears coach Ben Johnson was their offensive coordinator.

“I think it’s more likely the Bears draft a running back in one of the early rounds than sign one in free agency, but that’s just because it feels like the draft class is a better place to find your RB this year than the free agent market.”

If there were a Saquon Barkley or a Josh Jacobs in this year’s crop of free agents, the Bears would likely be aggressive there. After all, Poles and the Bears nearly signed Barkley last offseason.

However, to Graziano’s point, this is an exceptionally deep running back class, with Jeanty sitting atop the list of impact prospects.

The former four-star recruit who rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging seven yards per carry last season could make the kind of impact that Barkley did in Philadelphia and Gibbs is making with the Lions.

At 5-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Jeanty is an explosive dynamo who could develop into a game-altering weapon in the Bears’ offense, while taking significant pressure off Caleb Williams and opening up opportunities for the Bears’ weapons in the passing game, as well.

The post Will Chicago Bears find their next David Montgomery in the draft or free agency? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

All indications are that general manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears will make fortifying the offensive line in front of Caleb Williams the top organizational priority this offseason, and as free agency nears it seems one of the premier linemen available is poised to hit the open market.

On February 18, the date that the window for teams to apply the franchise or transition tag on one of their impending free agents opened, there was some thought that the Kansas City Chiefs may use one of the tags to keep Trey Smith in the fold.

However, given that the transition tag alone is set to cost $22.74 million and the franchise tag $25.16 million for offensive linemen this offseason, combined with the Chiefs projected to currently be upwards of $2.6 million over the cap, there’s a decent chance Smith winds up reaching free agency.

According to new reporting from Nate Taylor of The Athletic, the Chiefs don’t plan to use either tag on Smith.

Will the Chicago Bears prioritize signing Trey Smith?

As the offseason begins in earnest, Smith and the Bears have been linked as an ideal fit.

Chicago is well positioned financially, with upwards of $53.9 million in effective cap space to win the Smith sweepstakes.

The 25-year-old stalwart would bring big-time experience from his two Super Bowl championships to the Bears’ offensive line as well as the pedigree that comes with making a Pro Bowl appearance in his first four seasons since being chosen in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

At 6-foot-6 and 321 pounds, Smith did not allow a sack last season.

Adding Smith would be a major cornerstone signing along the Bears’ offensive line and the kind of move that could pay immediate and immense dividends in Williams’ development in 2025 and beyond.

The post Chicago Bears get great news on potential top free agent target appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears’ biggest weakness is hands down the offensive line. Undoubtedly, the Bears will look to free agency and the draft to upgrade at guard and center this off-season. The expectation is that Ryan Poles will push heavily to sign Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs.

If the Bears somehow fail to land the Kansas City guard, they must have a good backup plan. There is a good chance the Bears will draft an offensive lineman in the first or second round of the NFL draft. However, the Bears are linked to an overlooked free-agent guard.

The Chicago Bears are linked to signing Will Hernandez

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report listed Hernandez as an underrated guard that all NFL teams should have an eye on, especially Chicago.

Hernandez is coming off a season-ending ACL injury in 2024 but would still be a massive upgrade at right guard for the Bears. He has had 91 career starts in the NFL and played very well for the Cardinals before getting injured. If he stays healthy, he would be a solid depth signing for the Bears.

Knox wrote:

“The Chicago Bears have $64.9 million in projected cap space and won’t be limited to under-the-radar free agents. However, their offensive interior could use a serious upgrade, and there’s no way that throwing Hernandez into the competition could hurt. “

Hernandez would be a good signing for the Bears if they do not land Trey Smith

Ryan Poles will more than likely make signing Trey Smith a top priority for free agency in March. Having Smith on the right side next to Darnell Wright could be a dominating force on the offensive line.

If Smith does sign somewhere else and the Bears get outbid, Hernandez is still a solid short-term option at right guard and would be a massive upgrade over Matt Pryor.

Hernandez also would cost significantly less and there is even a chance the Bears could sign him and put him at left guard if they do land Smith.

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