5 Bears Who Won’t Return in 2025 With Season Officially Over
The Chicago Bears’ 2024 season may have come to an end, but for the front office and coaching staff, the work is just beginning. As the team looks to build for the future, it’s clear that changes will be made. The Bears have some key decisions to make about players who might not fit into their long-term plans, and several individuals are expected to be moving on as the team prepares for a new chapter in 2025.
While some of these moves might come as no surprise, others could signal a shift in philosophy as the Bears continue their rebuild under head coach Matt Eberflus. With salary cap considerations, potential roster shakeups, and the need for fresh talent, here are five players who, barring any drastic changes, are unlikely to return to the Bears in 2025:
1. [Player Name] – Quarterback
With Justin Fields entering his critical years of development, the Bears’ quarterback situation is a key area to watch in the offseason. [Player Name], who served as a backup or possible mentor to Fields, may find himself on the chopping block as the team looks to free up roster space and financial resources for more impactful additions.
Despite being a reliable presence in the quarterback room, [Player Name] has not shown much promise as a potential starting option. Given that Fields is firmly entrenched as the team’s future, the Bears might prefer to go with a younger backup or one with more upside, particularly as they continue to shape their future around Fields’ development.
Additionally, with cap space being a constant consideration, parting ways with a veteran backup like [Player Name] could provide the team with the flexibility it needs to pursue other players who can help improve the team’s overall depth and performance.
2. [Player Name] – Defensive Lineman
The Bears’ defense showed some promise this past season, but it’s clear they still need to address key areas, especially along the defensive line. While [Player Name] has been a solid contributor for Chicago, his performance has not been enough to justify keeping him around for another year, particularly with the team’s desire to improve in the trenches.
After several years of underwhelming production and with younger players emerging, the Bears may look to replace [Player Name] with someone who better fits their evolving defensive philosophy under Matt Eberflus. The team is likely to target younger, more explosive defensive linemen in the draft or free agency, and that means older players like [Player Name] could become expendable.
Additionally, if the Bears want to free up cap space to improve their pass rush or defensive depth, moving on from [Player Name] makes financial sense as well.
3. [Player Name] – Wide Receiver
The Bears’ offense, led by Justin Fields, is in desperate need of a true playmaker at the wide receiver position. While [Player Name] has been a serviceable option for Chicago, his lack of consistency and inability to make a significant impact on a regular basis have made him expendable. Despite showing flashes of potential, [Player Name] hasn’t been able to elevate the offense to the next level, and the Bears need to invest in playmaking talent at receiver.
Given that the Bears have Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool in place as their top options, and considering that the team will likely look to the draft or free agency for a high-end receiver, [Player Name] could find himself as a casualty of the roster overhaul. The Bears need a more dynamic receiving corps to help Fields continue his growth, and [Player Name] simply doesn’t fit the mold of the type of explosive weapon the Bears need to surround their young quarterback with.
4. [Player Name] – Offensive Lineman
For the Bears, the offensive line has been a consistent area of concern for several seasons. While there have been some improvements in the unit, it remains one of the weaker links on the roster. [Player Name] has been part of the problem, as his inconsistent play has made it difficult to establish a stable front five that can protect Justin Fields effectively.
Given the importance of providing Fields with solid protection and the need to upgrade at key spots on the offensive line, [Player Name] could be a player the Bears choose to move on from in the offseason. Whether due to injury history, underperformance, or simply the emergence of younger talent, the Bears could look to upgrade the position through the draft or free agency. This would signal a shift toward prioritizing Fields’ development and ensuring he has the support needed to thrive in the future.
If the Bears can free up salary cap space by cutting ties with [Player Name], expect them to pursue upgrades along the offensive line to help build a better foundation for the offense moving forward.
5. [Player Name] – Linebacker
The linebacker position is one of the Bears’ strong suits, but [Player Name] may not return in 2025 despite the team’s solid foundation at the position. While he has been a capable contributor, his role in the defense has diminished over the years as the Bears have begun to lean more on younger players who better fit the system.
The Bears have been active in developing players like Roquan Smith (who was traded), Jack Sanborn, and other promising linebackers, and they might look to add more talent through the draft to strengthen the unit further. [Player Name] has simply not been able to perform at a high enough level to justify keeping him in the rotation, and the Bears could look to move on, freeing up resources to bring in a more dynamic linebacker to pair with their younger players.
Additionally, with the Bears expected to shift more focus to the secondary and defensive line in 2025, the linebacker position could be a place where they make a change.