While the offseason is crucial for all 32 teams, the Chicago Bears arguably have the most to gain over the next few months. They have over $60 million in cap space, three of the top 50 draft picks, and one of the strongest head coaching candidates in recent years in Ben Johnson. Despite all of this, success in the NFL is never guaranteed. The Bears must do everything they can to create a stable environment for Caleb Williams’ second NFL season. The decisions made in the coming months will determine whether the Bears remain stagnant – or transform into the next great comeback story in the NFL.
It should come as no surprise that the Bears’ offensive line needs restructuring. Outside of Darnell Wright at right tackle, there have been few bright spots on the offensive line. The biggest indicator of this is that Caleb Williams was sacked more than any other quarterback this year, with 68 sacks. Using some of the cap space to bring in a veteran could bolster an offensive line that significantly needs help. One promising player who could fill this role is Drew Dalman from the Atlanta Falcons. Assuming he becomes a free agent, Dalman is coming off a stellar season, allowing only two sacks and ten pressures on over 500 snaps. He is also a force in the run game and is expected to receive a four-year, $46 million contract, per PFF. Signing Dalman wouldn’t break the bank for a team with the fourth-most cap space in the league this offseason, and it would serve as a strong foundation moving forward. The center is the nucleus of the offense, and ensuring the Bears have a reliable player to snap the football to Williams each play will make a significant difference come September.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears could benefit from strengthening the defensive tackle position. While the Bears’ defense showed promise throughout the season, their run defense—ranking in the bottom five in the league—still needs improvement. In 2024, ten of the top eleven rushing defensive teams made the playoffs. If you want to go far, you need to be able to stop the run. If the Bears are looking to add more veteran talent, someone like Bengals’ defensive tackle B.J. Hill could be a great fit. Hill would cost just over $10 million per year, based on Over the Cap’s projections. He would also provide versatility in both the pass rush and run defense. With defensive end Montez Sweat already on the roster to create pressure, adding Hill could significantly help the front end of the defense. Ultimately, improving the ability to stop the run and force the pass is key to winning, and that’s an area the Bears will need to address if they want to perform well next season.
The Bears are on the verge of becoming a playoff-contending team. While some fans are hoping for big-name signings or a trade for guys like Myles Garrett or Tee Higgins, the Bears don’t need to make those kinds of moves. They already have a talented quarterback in Caleb Williams and a strong head coach who truly believes in him. What the Bears need now is to be strategic with their resources and surround Williams with solid players. If they do that, by September, this team will be a major topic of conversation.
