The Chicago Bears’ interior offensive line looks completely different from last season.
Teven Jenkins and Matt Pryor led all Bears guards in snaps in 2024, and neither is currently on the roster. What should fans expect from the revamped group heading into training camp?
Joe Thuney
Joe Thuney is on a Hall of Fame trajectory, and extending his career into his mid-to-late 30s with solid play in Chicago could be the final chapter to an already stellar résumé. How much of an impact Thuney has — both on the field and in the locker room — will be one of the key storylines to monitor early in camp.
Jonah Jackson
Jonah Jackson was emerging as one of the better guards in the NFL with the Detroit Lions before the Rams signed him. Los Angeles tried to move him to center, but he battled injuries, and his entire stint there fell flat. Now back with Ben Johnson and in his more natural position at guard, there’s hope for a rebound. But what if the struggles from last season carry over?
Ryan Bates
Bates has long been a pet project of Bears general manager Ryan Poles, but it has yet to yield meaningful results. At this point, the Bears are expecting him to be the swing interior lineman and backup guard. If age or performance issues catch up to the starters, Bates could be called on quickly.
Luke Newman
Newman was a sixth-round pick drafted largely based on his athletic traits. While he has some upside, his presence on the depth chart underscores why the Bears need Bates to stay healthy and effective in a reserve role.
Bill Murray
Murray has been with the Bears since 2023 but has only been active for three games. The expectation is that Newman will surpass him and claim the fourth guard spot heading into the season.
Jordan McFadden
McFadden, a former fifth-round pick of the Chargers, is still looking to carve out a role in a crowded and unsettled group. A strong summer could be his ticket to sticking on the roster.