**ESPN Analyst Seth Walder Gives Chicago Bears B- Grade for 2025 Offseason Despite Widespread Praise for Key Moves**
The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 offseason with sky-high expectations, armed with a treasure trove of draft capital, ample salary cap space, and a clear mandate to transform the franchise into a legitimate contender. After a flurry of high-profile moves—including the blockbuster hiring of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, multiple key free-agent signings, and a well-received draft class—most analysts and fans have lauded the Bears’ aggressive approach as one of the best offseasons in the league. However, ESPN analytics expert Seth Walder has bucked the consensus, handing Chicago a surprisingly lukewarm **B-** grade in his annual offseason evaluation, a rating that has sparked debate across the NFL landscape.
Walder, known for his data-driven approach, acknowledged the Bears’ headline-grabbing acquisitions but pointed to underlying concerns that he believes prevent Chicago from earning a higher mark. While he praised the addition of Johnson, the architect of the Detroit Lions’ explosive offense, as a “clear upgrade,” he questioned whether the Bears did enough to address critical weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball. Additionally, Walder expressed skepticism about whether Chicago’s offensive line improvements—headlined by the signing of Pro Bowl guard **Kevin Dotson**—will be sufficient to protect quarterback **Caleb Williams**, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick entering his crucial second season.
The disconnect between Walder’s grade and the broader optimism surrounding the Bears’ offseason lies in his emphasis on **marginal value** rather than splashy names. While Chicago made several high-profile moves, including signing **wide receiver Tee Higgins** to pair with **DJ Moore** and drafting **defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton** in the first round, Walder argued that the Bears may have overpaid in free agency without maximizing their resources. He specifically pointed to the contract given to **Higgins**—a five-year, $110 million deal—as a potential overcommitment for a player who, while talented, has never been a true No. 1 receiver.
Another point of contention was Chicago’s handling of the **offensive line**. Despite adding Dotson and drafting **tackle Jordan Morgan** in the second round, Walder noted that the Bears still lack elite pass protection on the edges, leaving **Williams** vulnerable to the same pressures that plagued him as a rookie. “The Bears’ offensive line was **25th in pass-block win rate** last season,” Walder wrote. “They’ve improved, but not enough to confidently say Caleb Williams will have the time he needs to thrive.”
Defensively, Walder was even more critical. While Chicago retained key pieces like **cornerback Jaylon Johnson** and added **Newton** to bolster the interior defensive line, the team did little to address a **pass rush** that ranked near the bottom of the league in pressure rate (29th in 2024). The Bears opted not to pursue a high-end edge rusher in free agency, instead relying on **2023 draft picks** and rotational veterans to step up—a gamble that Walder believes could backfire. “In a division with **Jared Goff, Jordan Love, and Kirk Cousins**, not generating consistent pressure is a recipe for disaster,” he argued.
Perhaps the most surprising element of Walder’s assessment was his skepticism about **Ben Johnson’s** impact. While most analysts view Johnson as one of the brightest offensive minds in football, Walder cautioned that his success in Detroit was partly a product of the Lions’ elite offensive line and established playmakers. “The Bears don’t yet have an **Amon-Ra St. Brown** or **Sam LaPorta**-level talent outside of **DJ Moore**,” he noted. “If the supporting cast doesn’t elevate, even Johnson’s scheme may not be enough to unlock this offense’s full potential.”
The reaction to Walder’s grade has been mixed. Some analysts agree that Chicago’s offseason, while impressive on paper, still has **unanswered questions**, particularly on defense. Others, however, argue that the Bears did as well as they could given the available market and that Walder’s grade undervalues the importance of **coaching upgrades** and **culture shifts**. Former NFL general manager **Mike Tannenbaum** pushed back, saying, “A B- is way too harsh. The Bears got a **top-three offensive coordinator**, added a **legitimate WR2**, and fortified both lines. That’s at least an **A-** offseason.”
For Bears fans, the debate is less about grades and more about results. If **Caleb Williams** takes a leap in Year 2, if the defense generates more pressure than expected, and if Ben Johnson’s offense lives up to the hype, Chicago could quickly prove Walder’s skepticism wrong. But if the offensive line struggles, the pass rush remains stagnant, and Higgins doesn’t justify his contract, the **B-** grade might look prescient.
Ultimately, the 2025 season will determine whether the Bears’ offseason was truly a success or if Walder’s cautious evaluation was warranted. One thing is certain: Chicago’s front office has set the stage for a pivotal year. The pressure is on—not just to justify the moves they made, but to prove they did enough to turn the Bears into **real contenders**. Until then, the debate over their offseason grade will rage on.
