Players the Bears Should Acquire in the Offseason
The Bears have completed step one of their offseason, hiring a new head coach, which they did in the form of Ben Johnson. The next thing they need to do is acquire new players in the offseason that could help this Bears team to higher success in 2025. Ben Johnson said during his press conference that he wants to “build this team from the foundation up, and it starts with Caleb Williams.” I’m sure that Johnson has begun to think about it, but many names can come to mind when thinking about what the Bears desperately need.
Chiefs Right Guard Trey Smith
The 2024 number-one pick Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times in his rookie season, so protecting him should be Chicago’s number-one priority going forward. Trey Smith would be a huge upgrade for the Bears’ offensive line if Kansas City lets him walk in free agency. Smith appeared in all 17 games this season for the second straight year and only drew two penalties, which is the lowest single-season mark of his career. He was also selected for the Pro Bowl this year, but he will be missing to prepare for Super Bowl LIX to face the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9th. If the Bears manage to land Trey Smith in the offseason, it would give Williams a huge chance to play at his very best while being well-protected.
Re-Signing Keenan Allen
As a respected leader in the locker room, Keenan Allen hasn’t ruled out a potential return to Chicago and is open to an extension. As Allen is entering his mid-30s, he’s missed sometime over the past few seasons but remains productive when healthy. Allen missed only two games in 2024 but managed to still be extremely productive, including having two games with multiple touchdowns. With two young wideouts alongside him in Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore, Allen could remain the third receiver that Caleb Williams needs in his second season with the franchise.
Falcons Center Drew Dalman
Debatably, the biggest need for the Bears in the offseason is help on the offensive line. Widely looked at as the best center available, Drew Dalman should be a top priority for Chicago. He’s one of the best run-blocking centers in the NFL and would fix a huge problem for the Bears. While Dalman has room to grow in pass protection, he’s a reliable snapper with a veteran mindset. On top of that, the 2025 draft class looks very weak at center, so this addition would provide some much-needed stability to Chicago’s interior.
Chargers Edge Rusher Khalil Mack
Since Ryan Poles was the one who initiated the departure of Khalil Mack from Chicago in 2022, maybe Poles should initiate a reunion between the Bears and Khalil Mack. Even though Mack will be 34 years old at the start of the 2025 season, the veteran edge rusher has proven he still has a lot left in the tank. Since the Bears traded him to Los Angeles, Mack has made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. Despite being on the older side, at the right price, he could be a huge asset in a much-needed position for Chicago.
Ravens Offensive Tackle Ronnie Stanley
To start, Braxton Jones has been the starting left tackle for Chicago since they selected him in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, for the sake of protecting Caleb Williams, that needs to change immediately. On the other hand, Ronnie Stanley is a solid option to protect Williams’ blind spot. He started all 17 games for the Baltimore Ravens in 2024. Even though he’s on the older side, turning 31 in March, he’d be giving a boost to an offensive line that is in desperate need of consistency. He’s been a consistent top left tackle his whole career, but if he wants a fresh start somewhere else, the Bears should be interested.
