JWhile fans remain frustrated over the Green Bay Packers being relatively passive in the early stages of free agency, the rival Chicago Bears are doing the opposite. The Bears have made several high-profile additions and look determined to make year 2 of Caleb Williams a critical turning point in their franchise’s history.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws an incomplete pass as he is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws an incomplete pass as he is tackled by Green Bay Packers linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (56) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Chicago Bears Heavily Invest Into Offensive Line
Last year’s woeful Bears suffered heavily from problems on offense that fell at the feet of the offensive line. While their pass protection was an overall mess, the interior of the offensive line was particularly putrid and really negatively impacted the run game as well. Chicago entered the offseason determined to upgrade on the interior, and has done just that.
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) dives across the goal line to score a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers
Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) dives across the goal line to score a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
They started the overhaul with a trade for Los Angeles Rams guard Jonah Jackson, giving up a sixth-round pick for him. Jackson was a Pro Bowler in 2021 and will become the new right guard for the Bears.
Another move soon materialized, as the Bears made trade for Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney, who Chicago acquired in exchange for a fourth-round pick. Thuney will likely slot in at left guard and bring some veteran stability to the team in both the run and pass game.
As free agency kicked off, the Bears narrowed their crosshairs on the class’s top available center – the Atlanta Falcons Drew Dalman. A deal was done for 42-million dollars over 3 years, making Dalman the league’s second-highest-paid center.
Bears agree to three-year, $42M deal with C Drew Dalman. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/5V8Q7buUGC
— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2025
Thus, the Bears now have a solid-looking group for the future. Investing big money does not always work out, but it appears on paper that the Bears will have a significantly better unit for the 2025-26 season.
The Chicago Bears remade offensive line:
🏈LT: Braxton Jones
🏈LG: Joe Thuney
🏈C: Drew Dalman
🏈RG: Jonah Jackson
🏈RT: Darnell Wright
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2025
The Packers made an offensive line signing of their own in the form of San Francisco guard Aaron Banks, but nonetheless, Chicago’s overhaul is certainly impressive.
aaron banks 2
Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Aaron Banks (center) blocks against Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (left) during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The Chicago Bears Have Made Key Additions on the Defensive Line As Well
Chicago’s strong defense from last year is getting reinforcements this year in the form of veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and massive defensive end Dayo Odeyingo. It is clear that the team is investing in the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Odeyingo was signed from the Indianapolis Colts and received a 3-year, 48-million-dollar deal. He is an all-around solid player and is known for splash plays such as tackles for loss, sacks, and forced fumbles. While not a pure pass rusher, Odeyingo is a bigger edge player capable of eating up blocks in the run game while still being a legitimate threat when rushing the quarterback.
Bears signing DE Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million contract. (via @RapSheet, @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/yqPjqfjSZU
— NFL (@NFL) March 10, 2025
Many NFL fans will have heard the name Grady Jarrett. The veteran defensive tackle has been with Atlanta since 2015 but was recently released. A two-time Pro-Bowler and one-time second-team All-Pro player, Jarrett still has a lot left in the tank and will be able to help the Bears continue their recent form of strong run defense.
The Bears notable additions already this offseason:
LG Joe Thuney
C Drew Dalman
RG Jonah Jackson
DE Dayo Odeyingbo
DT Grady Jarrett https://t.co/gz708fEDRD
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 10, 2025
Chicago has certainly given its fan base reason for incredible optimism heading into next season with some clever as well as flashy moves. Let’s see if Green Bay will continue their strategy of being more patient as their division rivals continue to make big moves.
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