Every Chicago Bears 2025 mock offseason must walk the line between overly optimistic and realistic. It would be great if GM Ryan Poles pulled off some kind of voodoo magic to land multiple superstars. That just isn't plausible. This must be about establishing a series of objectives and working hard to meet each one as best they can. With a new coaching staff in place, there is a serious possibility several key names may not be around much longer. That will be up to Ben Johnson and his staff. Here is one way it could go down.
This Chicago Bears 2025 mock offseason is about becoming aggressors.
Cuts:
- Gerald Everett - $5.48 million
- Ryan Bates - $4 million saved
- Dominique Robinson - $1.1 million saved
Re-signings/Extensions:
- Coleman Shelton - 1-year deal for $4 million
- Jack Sanborn - RFA tender for $3.185 million
- Josh Blackwell - RFA tender for $3.185 million
- Jaylon Jones - 1-year deal for $1.1 million
- Doug Kramer - 1-year deal for $1.1 million
- Bill Murray - ERFA tender for $840,000
- Chris Williams - ERFA tender for $960,000
- Daniel Hardy - ERFA tender for $960,000
- Jonathan Owens - 1-year deal for $1.255 million
- Jacob Martin - 1-year deal for $1.255 million
Free agency:
- OG Trey Smith - 5-year deal for $110 million
- EDGE Chase Young - 1-year deal for $10 million
- OT Jedrick Wills - 1-year deal for $5 million
- WR Darius Slayton - 1-year deal for $5 million
- QB Teddy Bridgewater - 1-year deal for $3.5 million
Smith is the obvious target. He's the best offensive lineman on the market precisely what the Bears need. Young had a solid year this season in New Orleans, and Dennis Allen knows him. Wills was a disappointment as a 1st round pick for Cleveland due to injuries. That said, he's a big, powerful tackle who fits Johnson's type of offense and is only 25. Slayton can bring a much-needed speed element to the offense. Bridgewater is a veteran who has been a great backup elsewhere and knows this system.
The Draft:
Trade: #10 pick to Seahawks for #18 pick and 2nd in 2025
1st Round (via SEA) - Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
People will immediately say that Green is too small (6'3, 250 lbs) for Dennis Allen's defense. That is until you remember he signed off on drafting Von Miller (6'3, 246 lbs) and Khalil Mack (6'3, 251 lbs). Some guys may not have the big frame but certainly have the power to play edge. That is Green. Most know him for his explosive get-off and quickness. They quickly learn he brings more power to the table than advertised. That is why he had 17 sacks last season.
2nd Round - Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
Booker could go in the 1st round, but guards with average athletic ceilings typically fall around the 2nd. That suits the Bears perfectly. Don't be fooled. Booker is big, strong, nasty, technically proficient, and, by all accounts, an outstanding leader. He is ready to play immediately and can start at guard for anybody.
2nd Round (via CAR) - Grey Zabel, C, North Dakota State
Zabel is the breakout star of the pre-draft process. He was excellent for the Bison but really turned heads at the Senior Bowl, where he dominated every single drill. Initial projections have him as a guard, but his body type and skill set seem tailor-made for center. His strong hands and quick feet will be showcased.
2nd Round (via SEA) - Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Ben Johnson likes to run the football. It was a cornerstone of what made his offense in Detroit so effective. To do that, you obviously need good backs. D'Andre Swift has plenty of uses. However, he lacks the vision and physical running style to fit this scheme. Kaleb Johnson has both. In abundance.
3rd Round - Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas
Gerald Everett was a disaster signing. That means this Bears 2025 mock offseason can't be completed without some move to provide depth behind Cole Kmet. Helm didn't get the attention at Texas but has the size, athleticism, and natural pass-catching skills to be much better in the pros.
5th Round - Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
Allen wants to be more aggressive as a defense. That means blitzing, and blitzing defenses need linebackers who can bring the heat. Simon was a terror for Ohio State last season, notching seven sacks and constantly being around the football. He is exactly what they need.
6th Round (via PIT) - Anthony Belton, OT, N.C. State
Belton is your classic project player. He has all the physical tools: size, athleticism, power, and length. What he hasn't shown yet is consistent fundamentals. The hope is Johnson and his staff can fix that.
7th Round - Roc Taylor, WR, Memphis
More depth at wide receiver is a must, given Keenan Allen won't be back. Taylor has size and underrated speed. His hands are also reliable. If he learns how to run sharper routes, he's going to be a player.
