3 days Ago By Sean Labar
The Chicago Bears have a laundry list of needs to fulfill in the offseason before the 2025 campaign kicks off. First and foremost, the Bears have to hire the right head coach. With Caleb Williams entering his second NFL season, it’s absolutely paramount the Bears get this hire right.
If they bring in the right coach who can hire a high-level staff with developing WIlliams at the forefront of everything they do, the Bears have a chance to turn the corner. But if they get this hire wrong and Williams has to suffer through another season like he did in 2024, it will be a colossal failure for the organization. In terms of talent, the Bears have plenty of skill players to help Williams on the current roster.
DJ Moore is a top 10 WR when he’s at his best — and while Keenan Allen’s future in Chicago is uncertain — he served as a reliable veteran pass-catcher that Williams could rely on. Rome Odunze has flashed skills that will only be fine-tuned as he enters his second NFL season and Cole Kmet is one of the more underrated tight ends in the league. If the Chicago Bears are going to make changes on the offensive side of the ball, they need to put a major emphasis on bolstering the offensive line.
Willams has been the most-sacked QB in the NFL this season and the Bears need major help up front. But with all the focus on the offensive side of the ball, the Bears need to upgrade on defense as well. After emerging as one of the top defenses in 2023, Chicago took a major step back in 2024.
The Bears currently have the No. 25 defense in the NFL, averaging 353.4 yards per game.
While the addition of Montez Sweat last season in a trade with Washington was a major upgrade for the Bears pass rush, one NFL writer believes Chicago is going to make a run for Sweat’s former teammate this offseason. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report predicts the Bears will sign former first-round DE Chase Young, who is closing out his one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints . Edge-rusher has been an issue in Chicago all season, and Darrell Taylor is an impending free agent.
Meanwhile, the front office has $82 million to spend in free agency, according to Over The Cap , meaning it could target a big fish on the open market. Young will be one of the top pass-rushers available this spring because of his age and production. While the 25-year-old had just 5.
5 sacks through Week 16 this season, PFF had him with the ninth-most pressures ( 58 ) at his position. This would also bring the top two edge defenders from the 2020 draft class to the Windy City. Young hasn’t had a dominating season for the Saints , but he’s played good enough for the Bears to get him on a team-friendly deal and bank on his upside.
If Young can carry the momentum he’s gained with New Orleans late this season into a new contract with the Bears, Chicago will be more than pleased..
