If you’re a Chicago Bears fan, there’s a good chance you’re feeling cautiously optimistic heading into the 2025 NFL season—and with good reason. The Bears had one of the most aggressive, calculated, and flat-out impressive offseasons in recent memory. From bringing in a new head coach with a fresh philosophy to beefing up crucial areas across the roster, Chicago's front office made it loud and clear: this isn’t just a rebuild—it’s a reset for contention.
The addition of Ben Johnson as head coach might be the single most impactful move the organization has made in years. After the 2024 season went sideways under Matt Eberflus, this hire changed everything. Johnson’s track record with Detroit’s offense, his innovative play designs, and his leadership skills are exactly what this young squad needed. He’s already reshaping the locker room’s culture, energizing players, and redefining expectations for the future.
But Johnson didn’t come alone. He brought a vision—and with that vision came a slew of personnel decisions that could shape the franchise's trajectory for the next decade. Let’s break down five position groups that saw major upgrades this offseason—and how those changes might just position the Bears as a serious sleeper in 2025.
1. Offensive Line: A Fortress for Caleb
One of the most glaring issues last season? Protecting Caleb Williams.
The 2024 first overall pick was sacked a staggering 68 times—the most in the league. That’s not just a stat; that’s a cry for help. The Bears heard it, and they didn’t just toss a band-aid on it. They went all in on rebuilding the interior line.
It started with bold trades for All-Pro-caliber guard Joe Thuney and the versatile Jonah Jackson, then came the free agency signing of center Drew Dalman, giving Chicago its most stable and talented interior line in recent memory. These moves weren’t just splashy—they were essential.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the 2025 second-round draft pick Ozzy Trapilo, a rising tackle prospect who’s battling it out for the starting left tackle spot against Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie. For the first time in a long time, the offensive line isn’t just serviceable—it could be a strength.
💥 Hot Take: If this line gels, Caleb Williams could be in line for a monster sophomore season.
2. Wide Receiver: Reloaded with Speed & Depth
Losing veteran Keenan Allen to free agency may have hurt initially, but the Bears didn’t let it derail their offensive blueprint. DJ Moore and Rome Odunze already formed one of the more slept-on WR tandems in the NFL. But things got a lot more interesting when Luther Burden III, a human highlight reel from Missouri, slipped to them in the second round.
Burden brings electric speed, slick route running, and serious yards-after-catch ability—perfect for a slot-heavy role in Ben Johnson’s offense. Add in the veteran pickups of Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay, and suddenly this receiver room looks both explosive and deep.
🚨 Exciting Element: Don’t be surprised if Moore, Odunze, and Burden become one of the top receiver trios in the league by season’s end.
3. Quarterback Room: Mentorship Meets Competition
Let’s be clear—this is Caleb Williams’ team. But after a rollercoaster rookie year, the Bears took a smart step: adding veteran Case Keenum to the quarterback room.
Keenum isn’t here to start. He’s here to mentor. But don’t sleep on the value of having someone with real playoff experience in Williams’ ear every day. He’s also there to push Tyson Bagent for the backup job, ensuring no spot is given—only earned.
It’s easy to overlook, but this was a high-IQ move. With Austin Reed still developing, Keenum's presence stabilizes the QB group and creates the kind of environment where a young quarterback can truly thrive.
🧠 Pro Insight: Every great young QB had a savvy vet nearby. Mahomes had Alex Smith. Caleb’s got Keenum.
4. Defensive Tackle: Big Boys in the Trenches
While edge rushers still remain a question mark, the interior defensive line got a big-time facelift.
The headliner? Grady Jarrett. The long-time Falcons standout brings veteran presence, proven production, and locker room leadership. He’s not just a stopgap—he’s a tone-setter. Pair him with emerging talent like Gervon Dexter Sr. and solid veteran Andrew Billings, and suddenly the middle of the line is no joke.
Then there’s the future: Shemar Turner, the explosive second-rounder from Texas A&M. Known for his violent hands and relentless motor, Turner looks like the perfect fit for Dennis Allen’s more aggressive defensive philosophy.
💣 X-Factor: Don’t underestimate how this upgraded interior helps unlock linebackers and edge rushers to do more damage.
5. Tight End: A Sneaky Game-Changer
Ben Johnson loves to use two tight ends in his offensive sets, and boy, did Chicago make sure he had the right weapons to do it.
They already had Cole Kmet, a reliable all-around TE with sneaky athleticism. But in the 2025 NFL Draft, they went and grabbed Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick—the first tight end off the board. That alone tells you how high they are on his ceiling.
Loveland is a refined route runner with soft hands and deceptive speed. He’s the kind of guy who’ll feast in red-zone situations and open up the middle of the field for Moore and Burden.
🔐 Matchup Nightmare: Defenses are going to have their hands full covering both Kmet and Loveland in 12-personnel sets.
BONUS: The Coaching Staff Overhaul – The Real MVP
While this list focused on players, we can’t ignore the huge transformation in the coaching ranks. After the Eberflus era fizzled out (with an in-season OC firing to boot), Chicago snagged the most sought-after coaching candidate on the market in Ben Johnson.
Not only is Johnson a play-caller with serious chops, but he also hand-picked a staff that mixes seasoned vets with up-and-coming stars—guys who are hungry to prove something.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen brings a tough, structured mentality to the unit. On the offensive side, Johnson is reportedly building an attack that blends creativity with a smashmouth core—tailor-made for NFC North battles.
💼 Under-the-Radar Impact: Great teams aren’t just built on talent—they’re built on structure. The Bears finally have that.
Final Thoughts: Could the Bears Be 2025’s Cinderella Story?
It’s easy to laugh off offseason hype. But the moves the Bears made this year feel different. They didn’t just grab flashy names—they built a foundation. They addressed weaknesses. They invested in player development. And most importantly, they found a coach who knows how to win in today’s NFL.
Will it all translate into wins in 2025? Time will tell. But don’t be shocked if Chicago makes noise this season.
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