The Chicago Bears are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, with a rich legacy spanning over a century. However, in recent years, the team has faced challenges that have made their journey more tumultuous, particularly as they work through a rebuilding phase. With new leadership under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, there is hope for a brighter future in the Windy City. As the 2025 NFL season draws near, the Bears have made moves that continue to shape the team’s future, and the spotlight on Chicago remains intense. In this article, we dive into the latest highlights, rumors, and breaking news surrounding the Chicago Bears, as the team aims to return to its winning ways.
Highlights of the 2024 Chicago Bears Season
The 2024 season was a pivotal one for the Chicago Bears. With several new additions to the roster and an influx of young talent, the team demonstrated growth, even if the results didn’t always reflect it in the win column. Here are some of the standout moments and key highlights from the 2024 campaign:
Justin Fields’ Progression
Quarterback Justin Fields has long been the centerpiece of the Bears’ rebuilding effort, and his development continued to be one of the most talked-about storylines of the season. Fields’ natural athleticism, combined with his strong arm and growing football IQ, have made him one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the league. While his accuracy and decision-making still needed refinement, Fields showcased his ability to make jaw-dropping plays both as a passer and a rusher. One of the major highlights of the season was a week 10 game against the Minnesota Vikings, where Fields accounted for four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing), leading the Bears to a thrilling 38-31 victory.
While Fields continued to struggle at times with consistency, his growth as the season progressed demonstrated that he is indeed the future of the franchise. Chicago will need to continue to surround him with better talent, particularly on the offensive line, to unlock his full potential.
DJ Moore’s Impact
The Bears made a bold move in 2024 by acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for draft capital, including the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Moore’s addition immediately paid dividends. As Fields’ top target, Moore quickly became the team’s most consistent and reliable receiving weapon. His ability to stretch the field, win contested catches, and provide a safety blanket for Fields helped elevate the Bears’ passing game. Moore had a 1,200-yard season in 2024 and contributed with 10 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a true No. 1 wideout in the NFL.
This move proved to be a turning point for the Bears’ offense, as they finally gave Fields a legitimate playmaker to work with in the passing game. Moore’s chemistry with Fields continued to develop, and the duo is poised to have even greater success in the coming seasons.
The Defensive Growth
Under head coach Matt Eberflus, the Bears’ defense saw a marked improvement in 2024, with standout performances from key players such as linebacker Roquan Smith and safety Jaquan Brisker. The Bears’ defense became a much more disciplined and aggressive unit, focusing on getting to the quarterback and forcing turnovers. The defensive line showed significant improvement, with young players like defensive tackle Justin Jones and edge rusher Trevis Gipson making strides in their development.
One of the most memorable moments of the season came during a late-season win over the Green Bay Packers, where the Bears’ defense recorded four sacks and two interceptions, shutting down the Packers’ offense in the second half to secure a 24-10 victory. While the Bears’ defense still had room for improvement, particularly in terms of pass coverage, the growth under Eberflus was undeniable.
Breaking News: The Bears’ Offseason Moves
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Bears have already made headlines with several significant moves during the offseason. General manager Ryan Poles has been aggressive in reshaping the roster, aiming to put together a team that can compete in the NFC North and beyond.
Free Agency Signings: Bolstering the Roster
In the offseason, the Bears focused on adding pieces to both the offense and defense. One of their biggest signings came in free agency when they brought in veteran offensive tackle, Mike McGlinchey, from the San Francisco 49ers. McGlinchey’s arrival was a direct response to the Bears’ struggles on the offensive line, as protecting Justin Fields was the team’s most pressing need. McGlinchey is known for his ability to run block and pass protect, and his leadership and experience in the trenches will help anchor the Bears’ offensive line.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears made a splash by signing cornerback Jamel Dean from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dean’s addition helps solidify the secondary, which was one of the weaker points for Chicago in 2024. With his size, speed, and physicality, Dean gives the Bears a much-needed boost in their cornerback group. His experience and ability to match up against top receivers in the league will help improve the Bears’ pass defense significantly.
Additionally, the Bears also bolstered their defensive line by signing veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport from the New Orleans Saints. Davenport’s presence will help the Bears generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which was an area of concern for Chicago’s defense in 2024.
Draft Strategy and Picks
The Bears entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear vision to continue improving their roster. The team was in a strong position with multiple picks in the first two rounds, and Poles was expected to target key positions that would help accelerate the rebuild.
One area where the Bears were expected to make significant moves was the wide receiver position. Despite the acquisition of DJ Moore in 2024, the team was still lacking depth at wideout. The 2025 NFL Draft is widely regarded as having a strong class of wide receivers, and it’s expected that the Bears will look to add another playmaker to help support Justin Fields in the passing game.
Additionally, the Bears may consider addressing the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the pass rush. With Marcus Davenport now in the fold, Chicago could still use additional help on the edge. The defensive line class in 2025 is deep, and the Bears could land a potential star to pair with Davenport and further bolster their front seven.
Trade Rumors: Moving Up or Down?
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws nearer, there have been rumblings that the Bears could make a move to either trade up or down. One of the more intriguing rumors involves the Bears potentially trading up to select a top-tier wide receiver or offensive lineman. The Bears have the capital to make a move, with both their 1st and 2nd-round picks as potential bargaining chips. A wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. or a top offensive tackle like J.C. Latham could be worth moving up for, as the Bears’ offense still needs a few more pieces to become elite.
On the flip side, there are also rumors that the Bears could look to trade down if the right offer comes along. If Chicago feels they can still address their needs with a later pick, they may look to add more draft capital for future years. This would align with Poles’ strategy of building a team that is sustainable over time, rather than focusing on short-term fixes.
Coaching Staff Under Pressure
While the Bears have made strides, there is still some uncertainty surrounding head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff. Despite showing improvement on defense, Eberflus has faced criticism for his team’s inconsistency, particularly on offense. The Bears are in a critical phase of their rebuild, and the pressure on Eberflus to develop Justin Fields into a franchise quarterback is mounting.
Some rumors have suggested that the Bears’ front office is keeping a close eye on the team’s performance in 2025, with Eberflus’ future possibly on the line if the Bears fail to take a significant step forward. A strong showing from Fields and an improved offensive line could be the key to keeping the coaching staff’s job secure, while another underwhelming season could lead to changes in the near future.
The Future of Roquan Smith
Roquan Smith is one of the most talented and valuable players on the Bears’ defense, but there has been ongoing speculation about his long-term future in Chicago. The linebacker is set to enter the final year of his contract in 2025, and rumors have swirled about whether the Bears will offer him an extension or explore trade options.
While Smith’s talent is undeniable, the Bears will need to weigh his value against their long-term financial outlook. If Chicago doesn’t feel it can reach an agreement with Smith on an extension, there’s a possibility that the team could explore trading him to a contender, especially if they can secure a significant draft haul in return.
A Critical Year for the Bears
As the Chicago Bears move into the 2025 season, they find themselves at a crucial juncture in their rebuilding process. With Justin Fields’ development still in focus and several key moves in free agency, the Bears appear poised for a potential breakthrough year. However, they are still in the midst of the transition from being a rebuilding team to a contender. The addition of veterans like Mike McGlinchey, Jamel Dean, and Marcus Davenport will help, but much depends on how well Fields can continue to progress and whether the Bears can surround him with enough talent to compete at a high level.
The 2025 draft will be another critical step in the team’s journey. Whether the Bears trade up or down, their choices will significantly impact the future of the franchise. With the right moves, the Bears can accelerate their rebuild and move closer to returning to prominence in the NFC North. All eyes will be on Chicago as they navigate the draft and the upcoming season, with hopes high for a more competitive team in 2025.