2025 NFL Season Preview: Chicago Bears
Football

2025 NFL Season Preview: Chicago Bears

June 27, 2025
Devon Gallant

2025 NFL Team Preview Series: Chicago Bears

Welcome back to our 2025 NFL Team Preview Series, where we’ll dive deep into all 32 franchises ahead of the upcoming season. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a fantasy football manager, or just looking to get up to speed before kickoff, this series breaks down everything you need to know about each team’s trajectory.

For every team, we’ll cover:

  • Coaching Staff & Philosophy – Who’s leading the charge, and what kind of system are they running?
  • Offseason Recap – Key free-agent moves, trades, and draft picks that reshaped the roster.
  • Schedule Breakdown – Matchups to watch, tough stretches, and projected win-loss record.

From Super Bowl contenders to rebuilding rosters, we’ll assess where each team stands and what lies ahead in 2025.

Chicago Bears

Coaching Staff: A New Era Begins

The Chicago Bears enter the 2025 season under a completely new coaching regime, signalling a shift in direction and philosophy. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, the organization opted for a fresh start, bringing in a highly sought-after offensive mind to lead the team and oversee the development of their young, promising quarterback.

Ben Johnson takes over as the Head Coach of the Chicago Bears for the 2025 season. Johnson, previously the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, was one of the most coveted head coaching candidates in the NFL. His hiring demonstrates a commitment to building a high-powered, innovative offence around second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Johnson is known for his creative play-calling, diverse offensive schemes, and ability to maximize the talent of his players. His philosophy emphasizes an efficient, explosive passing game complemented by a strong run attack.

Leading the offence as Offensive Coordinator is Declan Doyle. Doyle, who previously worked under Sean Payton in Denver as the team’s tight end coach, is expected to grow into his new role as he will start the season at just 29 years old. Their collaborative approach between Johnson and Doyle aims to continue the offensive growth and unlock Caleb Williams’ full potential.

On the defensive side, Dennis Allen has been hired as the Defensive Coordinator to bring some veteran leadership into the coaching room. Allen brings a wealth of experience, including previous head coaching stints and a strong reputation as a defensive play-caller with the New Orleans Saints. He’s known for building aggressive, fundamentally sound defences that excel at creating pressure and turnovers. Allen will look to take advantage of the Bears’ defensive talent, including key players like Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson, to create a formidable unit.

Richard Hightower remains the Special Teams Coordinator, providing some continuity in a key phase of the game. The rest of the staff includes new faces and hires such as Antwaan Randle El (Assistant Head Coach/Wide Receivers), J.T. Barrett (Quarterbacks Coach), and Eric Bieniemy (Running Backs Coach), bringing a mix of veteran experience and fresh perspectives to the Bears’ locker room.

2025 Offseason Recap: Offensive Line Retool and Defensive Boost

The Chicago Bears’ 2025 offseason was marked by aggressive moves aimed at providing additional support for Caleb Williams, and solidifying the roster under the new coaching staff. General Manager Ryan Poles focused heavily on the offensive line and adding impactful players on defence through both free agency and the NFL Draft.

Key Free-Agent Signings, Retentions and Acquisitions:

  • Drew Dalman (C): Signed a three-year, $42 million contract. A significant acquisition from the Falcons, immediately upgrading the centre position.
  • Dayo Odeyingbo (EDGE): Signed a three-year, $48 million contract. A strong pass rusher from the Colts, providing a nice complement to Montez Sweat on the edge.
  • Grady Jarrett (IDL): Signed a three-year, $42.75 million contract. A veteran Pro Bowl defensive tackle from the Falcons, bringing interior pass rush and run-stuffing ability.
  • Case Keenum (QB): Signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract. Provides a veteran backup option behind Caleb Williams.
  • Durham Smythe (TE): Signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract. Adds depth at the tight end position.
  • Olamide Zaccheaus (WR): Signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Provides additional depth to the wide receiver room.
  • Devin Duvernay (WR): Signed a one-year, $1.3375 million contract. Adds speed and special teams return ability.
  • Nick McCloud (CB): Signed a one-year, $1.32 million contract. Adds depth to the secondary and special teams.
  • Travis Homer (RB): Re-signed to a one-year, $1.75 million contract. Provides depth and special teams value.
  • Tarvarius Moore (S): Re-signed to a one-year, $1.17 million contract. Another option in the secondary.
  • Byron Cowart (IDL): Signed a one-year, $1.36 million contract. Adds interior defensive line depth.
  • Deandre Carter (WR): Signed a one-year, $1.42 million contract. Potential slot receiver and return specialist.

Key Extensions:

  • Jaylon Johnson (CB): Signed a four-year, $76 million extension in early March 2025, locking up their Pro Bowl cornerback as a cornerstone of the defence.
  • Kyler Gordon (CB): Signed a three-year extension, retaining a versatile young piece in the secondary.
  • T.J. Edwards (LB): Signed a two-year extension, keeping a locker room leader and tackling machine in the middle of the defence.
  • Cole Kmet (TE): Signed a three-year extension, securing a reliable pass-catching tight end.

Trades:

  • Joe Thuney (LG): Acquired via trade from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick. A monumental acquisition, bringing an elite, veteran left guard to solidify the offensive line.
  • Jonah Jackson (RG): Acquired via trade from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. Another major upgrade to the interior offensive line, adding Pro Bowl talent.

Key Departures:

  • Coleman Shelton (C/OG): Signed with the Los Angeles Rams. He was a starting interior offensive lineman for the Bears in previous seasons. His departure was offset by the Bears’ aggressive moves to acquire Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman.
  • Teven Jenkins (OG): Signed with the Cleveland Browns. Jenkins had been a starter on the offensive line, but his departure signifies the complete overhaul of the interior line by the Bears.
  • Jack Sanborn (LB): Signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Sanborn was a local fan favourite who had been a productive undrafted free agent. While he played a significant role, the Bears retained T.J. Edwards at linebacker.  
  • Larry Borom (OT): Signed with the Miami Dolphins. He provided depth and occasional starts at offensive tackle.
  • DeAndre Carter (WR): Signed with the Cleveland Browns. Carter provided depth at wide receiver and as a return specialist.  
  • Jacob Martin (EDGE): Signed with the Washington Commanders. He was a rotational pass rusher.
  • Matt Pryor (OG): Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Rotational piece along the offensive line.
  • Darrynton Evans (RB): Signed with the Buffalo Bills. Was a depth running back.
  • Collin Johnson (WR): Signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. A larger receiver who was on the roster.
  • Marcedes Lewis (TE): The veteran tight end was an unrestricted free agent and as of current searches, there is no indication he will be re-signed by the Bears.
  • Patrick Scales (LS): The long snapper was an unrestricted free agent.

2025 NFL Draft Recap: Offensive Weapon and Defensive Reinforcements

The 2025 NFL Draft saw the Chicago Bears continue to build around Caleb Williams while also bolstering the defensive side of the ball under the new coaching staff.

  • Round 1, Pick 10: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan A somewhat surprising but impactful pick, the Bears selected Loveland, a dynamic and uber athletic tight end. Known for his receiving prowess and ability to create mismatches, he’s expected to form a formidable tight end duo with Cole Kmet under Ben Johnson’s 12-personnel heavy offence.
  • Round 2, Pick 39 (from CAR): Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri The Bears added another explosive weapon to the receiving corps. Burden is a first-round caliber talent who fell to the second, providing incredible upside as a versatile playmaker. He will complement DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze, creating one of the league’s most potent receiving groups.
  • Round 2, Pick 56 (from MIN via HOU & BUF): Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College Continuing the offensive line investment, Trapilo adds a versatile and tough offensive tackle prospect. He provides depth and competition, potentially developing into a long-term starter.
  • Round 2, Pick 62 (from BUF): Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M The Bears fortified their defensive interior with Turner, an explosive and disruptive defensive tackle. He brings power and pass-rushing ability, immediately boosting the defensive line rotation.
  • Round 4, Pick 132 (from BUF): Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland An athletic linebacker with good instincts, Hyppolite adds depth and special teams value to the linebacking corps.
  • Round 5, Pick 169 (Compensatory, from BUF): Zah Frazier, CB, Texas-San Antonio Frazier is a versatile defensive back with a fearless mentality, providing depth and competition in the secondary.
  • Round 6, Pick 195 (from PIT via LAR): Luke Newman, G, Michigan State Another offensive lineman, Newman adds further depth and versatility to the interior of the line.
  • Round 7, Pick 233 (from CIN): Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers Monangai is a tough, downhill runner who adds competition to the running back room and potential special teams contributions, complementing D’Andre Swift.

Key Draft Storyline: Supporting Williams and Bolstering the Trenches

The 2025 NFL Draft for the Chicago Bears was about providing Caleb Williams with an embarrassment of riches on offence, while also continuing to build strength in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The selection of Colston Loveland in the first round and Luther Burden III in the second demonstrates Head Coach Ben Johnson’s intent to build an offensive juggernaut. Loveland, combined with Cole Kmet, creates a flexible tight end duo, while Burden adds yet another elite athletic talent to an already stacked wide receiver room.

Beyond the skill positions, the Bears remained committed to the offensive and defensive lines. Picking Ozzy Trapilo and Luke Newman adds further potential to an offensive line that saw significant veteran additions in free agency. On defence, Shemar Turner in the second round directly addresses the need for more interior pass rushing, complementing the free agent signings of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. This draft solidified the Bears’ position as a team with high aspirations, focusing on providing maximum support for their young quarterback and building a physically dominant team from the line of scrimmage outwards.

Offseason Summary: The Final Pieces for Contention

The Chicago Bears’ 2025 offseason can be characterized as a critical phase of building a playoff-contending roster. The seismic shift in the coaching staff, bringing in Ben Johnson as head coach, signals a clear new direction centred on a modern, explosive offensive identity. This move, combined with the strengthening of the offensive line via the acquisitions of Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman, demonstrates a commitment to protecting Caleb Williams and establishing a dominant ground game.

On the defensive side, the continuity of Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and T.J. Edwards through extensions, coupled with the free-agent signings of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, and the draft pick of Shemar Turner, ensures a strong and versatile unit under new Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen.

The 2025 NFL Draft further amplified the team’s ambitions by adding dynamic offensive weapons like Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III, giving Williams a wide array of targets. The one position that the Bears didn’t seem to target was running back, where D’Andre Swift appears to have the pole position to be the lead back in Chicago. This offseason was about putting the final, high-impact pieces around a promising young core. The Bears haven’t just improved; they’ve strategically positioned themselves to challenge for the NFC North title and make a significant playoff run in 2025. The patient and methodical approach of General Manager Ryan Poles has culminated in a roster that’s now genuinely poised for contention.

2025 Schedule Breakdown & Win-Loss Prediction

The Chicago Bears’ 2025 schedule presents a challenging but navigable path as they aim to ascend in the NFC North and showcase their new-look offence.

  • Weeks 1–4: Immediate Divisional and NFC Tests
    • Week 1: vs. Minnesota Vikings (MNF)
    • Week 2: at Detroit Lions
    • Week 3: vs. Dallas Cowboys
    • Week 4: at Las Vegas Raiders

Outlook: A tough start, opening with two NFC North rivals including a Monday Night Football debut for the new regime. The Cowboys game is a prime early test. The Raiders game offers a potential road win opportunity.

Prediction: 2-2

  • Weeks 5–9: Mid-Season Challenges and Early BYE
    • Week 5: BYE
    • Week 6: at Washington Commanders (MNF)
    • Week 7: vs. New Orleans Saints
    • Week 8: at Baltimore Ravens
    • Week 9: at Cincinnati Bengals

Outlook: The early bye week could be a benefit for a team implementing a new system. This stretch includes two very tough road tests against AFC contenders Ravens and Bengals. The Commanders and Saints games offer more favorable matchups.

Prediction: 2-2 (Overall: 4-4)

  • Weeks 10–13: Home Opportunities and Thanksgiving Showdown
    • Week 10: vs. New York Giants
    • Week 11: at Minnesota Vikings
    • Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 
    • Week 13: at Philadelphia Eagles (Black Friday Game)

Outlook: A mix of winnable home games and a crucial divisional road game. The Black Friday game against the Eagles will be a major national showcase and a significant challenge.

Prediction: 2-2 (Overall: 6-6)

  • Weeks 14–18: Playoff Push in the Division
    • Week 14: at Green Bay Packers
    • Week 15: vs. Cleveland Browns
    • Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers 
    • Week 17: at San Francisco 49ers (SNF)
    • Week 18: vs. Detroit Lions

Outlook: A brutal finish with three divisional games and road trips to the Packers and 49ers, plus a strong Browns team. This stretch will determine their playoff fate.

Prediction: 2-3

Final Record Prediction: 8-9

The Chicago Bears have invested heavily in their coaching staff and roster for 2025. While the transition to a new coaching staff always carries some unknowns, the sheer talent infusion on the offensive line and in the receiving corps, coupled with a strong defensive unit, should lead to tangible improvement. Caleb Williams entering his second year with a stable and improved environment is key. An 8-9 record is a realistic projection, representing a significant step forward and putting them squarely in the mix for a Wild Card spot in a competitive NFC.

Final Take: The Ascent of a New Contender

The Chicago Bears’ 2025 offseason marks a pivotal moment, signalling an ambitious push toward sustained contention. Between the coaching overhaul, the significant investments along the offensive line (Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, Drew Dalman) and another influx of high-end receiving talent (DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III), it creates an environment perfectly tailored for Caleb Williams to flourish in his sophomore season.

Defensively, the veteran leadership of Dennis Allen as coordinator, coupled with the extensions of core players like Jaylon Johnson and T.J. Edwards, and the addition of players like Grady Jarrett, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Shemar Turner, this promises to be a formidable unit that can complement the explosive offence.

This isn’t a rebuilding team; it’s a team that’s meticulously assembled the pieces for immediate and sustained success. The Bears have equipped themselves with an exciting and well-rounded roster, capable of challenging the established powers in the NFC North and making a deep run in the playoffs. The 2025 season represents what should be a significant step forward, which, if the team steals a few games on the road, could result in a wildcard spot.

-Devon Gallant

Twitter: @DevGallant

Photo: Ryan Dickey. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.