Keeping up with the most recent free agency notes and news for the Chicago Bears in 2025

The Chicago Bears are entering the 2025 NFL free agency period with a renewed sense of optimism and a clear mission: to build a competitive team that can compete in a tough NFC North division. After a challenging 2024 season with a 5-12 record, the franchise is making moves to reshape its roster, improve its performance, and lay the foundation for long-term success.

As the Bears look toward the future, several high-profile moves and rumors have emerged regarding key players they are targeting. Let’s dive into the most significant storylines surrounding the Bears’ free agency, trades, and other roster changes.

A Fresh Start Under Ben Johnson

The most notable change in Chicago this offseason is the hiring of Ben Johnson as the team’s new head coach. Johnson, the former offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, is regarded as one of the brightest young minds in the NFL. His tenure in Detroit saw the Lions produce one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, and his arrival in Chicago brings fresh hope for a revitalized offensive scheme. Johnson’s expertise in designing high-powered offenses should help the Bears develop a more effective passing game and provide better protection for their quarterbacks, an area that has been a weakness for Chicago in recent years.

While Johnson brings excitement on the offensive side of the ball, his task will be to install a system that maximizes the potential of quarterback Justin Fields. Fields showed flashes of brilliance during the 2024 season, but his development has been hindered by inconsistent offensive line play and a lack of quality receiving options. Johnson’s ability to tailor the offense to Fields’ strengths—particularly his mobility and playmaking ability—could be the key to unlocking Fields’ full potential in 2025.

Revisiting the Khalil Mack Era

One of the most intriguing storylines surrounding the Bears this offseason is the potential return of former defensive star Khalil Mack. Mack, who was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022, has remained an important figure in Chicago’s defense for several years, earning multiple Pro Bowl appearances and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.

Reports have surfaced that the Bears are exploring the possibility of bringing Mack back to Chicago. While Mack’s age and injury history may raise some concerns, his veteran presence and leadership could provide a significant boost to the Bears’ defensive front. His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt the passing game could be exactly what the Bears need to complement their young defensive core.

Mack’s return would also reunite him with former teammates such as Roquan Smith and Eddie Jackson, helping to bring a sense of continuity to the defensive unit. However, the Bears must weigh the cost of Mack’s potential contract against the team’s salary cap flexibility as they look to make other moves in free agency.

Strengthening the Offensive Line: Drew Dalman and Ryan Kelly

The Bears’ offensive line has been one of the weakest aspects of the team in recent years. Protecting Justin Fields has been a significant challenge, and as a result, the Bears are placing a high priority on improving their offensive line in free agency. The team has set its sights on two potential additions: Drew Dalman, the center for the Atlanta Falcons, and Ryan Kelly, the veteran center for the Indianapolis Colts.

Dalman is widely regarded as one of the top centers available in free agency, and his addition could solidify the heart of the Bears’ offensive line. His ability to anchor the line and provide stability in both the running and passing games would be a valuable asset for the Bears. On the other hand, Kelly brings years of experience and leadership. He’s a Pro Bowl-caliber player who could help guide the young players on the Bears’ line and improve the overall unit’s performance.

If the Bears can secure one of these two centers, it would go a long way toward addressing one of the team’s most glaring weaknesses. Having a stable interior offensive line would not only help protect Justin Fields but also open up lanes for running backs like Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman, who are expected to play a key role in the team’s offensive attack.

Defensive Line Depth: Milton Williams and Joey Bosa

Defensively, the Bears are also looking to make significant improvements. The pass rush has been a priority for general manager Ryan Poles, and the team is reportedly eyeing defensive tackle Milton Williams from the Philadelphia Eagles and defensive end Joey Bosa from the Los Angeles Chargers.

Williams is an underrated player who could provide the Bears with much-needed depth on the defensive line. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the pocket makes him a valuable addition to a defensive front that already boasts promising young players like Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson. Williams could fit in as a rotational player who can contribute on passing downs while giving the team flexibility to keep their defensive line fresh.

On the other hand, Bosa’s name has become synonymous with elite pass-rushing talent. The Bears are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Bosa, who has been released by the Chargers. While adding a player of Bosa’s caliber would certainly come with a hefty price tag, his impact on the defense could be transformative. Bosa’s ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks would dramatically improve the Bears’ ability to create turnovers and stop the opposing offense.

Other Free Agency Targets

Aside from the obvious focus on the defensive and offensive lines, the Bears are reportedly looking at several other key players in free agency to improve their roster. Wide receiver Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has emerged as a target for the Bears. Godwin’s reliability and route-running precision would be a welcomed addition to an underwhelming receiving corps, which struggled to provide Justin Fields with the necessary support in 2024.

Additionally, linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers is another player the Bears are targeting. Greenlaw would bring additional depth and playmaking ability to a linebacker corps that includes Roquan Smith. His speed and instincts could help shore up the Bears’ run defense, making them more formidable against opposing rushing attacks.

Finally, the Bears are exploring the possibility of bringing in running back Nick Chubb from the Cleveland Browns. Chubb is one of the best running backs in the NFL and would instantly elevate the Bears’ ground game. His power and ability to break tackles could give the Bears the kind of running back they need to control the clock and take pressure off Justin Fields.

Looking Ahead: 2025 NFL Draft

In addition to free agency, the Bears are preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft, where they have the opportunity to continue rebuilding their roster. With several holes to fill, including at wide receiver, defensive back, and offensive line, the draft will be an important avenue for the team to address its needs.

General manager Ryan Poles has already made it clear that the Bears are focused on building through the draft and adding young, talented players who can contribute right away. With a full complement of draft picks, the team is in a strong position to make moves that will set them up for success in the coming years.

A New Era in Chicago

The Chicago Bears are in the midst of a significant transformation. With Ben Johnson at the helm and Ryan Poles aggressively reshaping the roster through free agency, trades, and the draft, the team is positioning itself for a successful 2025 season. While the Bears face several challenges, including salary cap constraints and the need to develop young talent, the steps they are taking this offseason suggest that a new era is on the horizon.

Whether or not they can land top free agents like Khalil Mack, Drew Dalman, or Joey Bosa remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Bears are committed to building a competitive team that can contend in the NFC North. Fans are hoping that with these moves, the franchise will finally return to its former glory and become a force to be reckoned with in the NFL once again.