The Chicago Bears Biggest Weakness Becomes Their Biggest Strength
The 2024-2025 Chicago Bears faced one of the most heart-wrenching seasons in NFL history. From a tipped hail mary to a blocked field goal, the Bears seemingly found ways to lose week after week. With their first overall draft pick Caleb Williams having an up and down rookie season, a lot of his struggles came from their offensive line. The Bears would have seven different starting combinations, not including in-game substitutions due to injuries. Only spending $31.3 million on their offensive line in the 2024 NFL season, the Bears have taken a completely different turn for free agency in preparation for next season.
In just 10 days, the Bears general manager Ryan Poles has completely revamped the position for first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Last week, they traded for guard Jonah Jackson from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for their 2025 six-round pick. The 315-pound Jackson is a former Pro Bowler with the Lions, and has worked alongside Ben Johnson. He signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Rams last season, where his 2024 was wrecked by a shoulder injury. With the Bears taking a gamble on him, they will take on his contract as well, in hopes he will have a return to form this upcoming season. After moving to the center position for the Rams, he will be moved to right guard under Ben Johnson’s team.
Shortly following the trade for Jackson, the Bears would trade for another guard from the Kansas City Chiefs. Giving up a 2026 fourth-round pick, the Bears would get All-Pro Joe Thuney. As a 32-year-old, Thuney remains one of the top guards in the NFL. He will be a big boost of protection at left guard for Caleb Williams, who will look to have more confidence in his time to throw the ball.
With the guard position fixed up for Chicago, there was still a massive hole in the offensive line at center. With free agency opening up just yesterday, they jumped quickly and signed former Atlanta Falcon, Drew Dalman. In a massive three-year, $42 million, with $28 million guaranteed deal, there’s no question that Ryan Poles isn’t being cheap this season with protection for Williams. With 40 starts over the past three seasons and a 95.1% pass block win rate in 2024, Dalman is everything Chicago fans have been asking for. He also proves to be a great run blocker, something Ben Johnson learned from Detroit that can lead to massive success for their running backs.
Bears fans all across the city have high expectations with Ben Johnson taking the helm. For many, making the playoffs is a must this season, something they haven’t done in five years. The success Johnson had with Detroit, is something Chicago fans are hoping for. General manager Ryan Poles has still yet to have a winning season in Chicago, but looks to finally turn things around starting with a brand new offensive line.
