If there were any lingering doubts about what must be done this spring, the Super Bowl put that to bed. Watching the Philadelphia Eagles dominate the line of scrimmage against the NFL's reigning dynasty makes it clear what GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson must do. If they want to challenge the new champs and any other team in the NFC, they must fortify the trenches on both sides of the ball. That is what this Chicago Bears 2025 mock offseason will be about.
This time, the twist is seeking a way to get better immediately without sacrificing the future in the process. That was the problem Ryan Pace ran into during his tenure. Luckily, a development with another team sets things up for Chicago.
The new Chicago Bears 2025 mock offseason gets jolted by a front-office change.
Ian Cunningham named GM of the Jaguars. Bears receive 3rd rounders in 2025 and 2026
There have been rumblings for weeks that Jacksonville is interested in Cunningham for their GM position. If that happens, it secures the Bears two 3rd round picks. That ammunition sets up what comes next.
Trades:
RB D'Andre Swift to the 49ers for a 5th in 2026
This might be a shock to many after Swift had over 1300 total yards last season, but one must not forget the Lions got rid of him after Johnson took over as offensive coordinator. It is clear the coach isn't a big fan of the running back. San Francisco needs some insurance for Christian McCaffrey, so the two sides work a deal.
Two 3rd rounders in 2025 and a 3rd rounder in 2026 to the Bengals for EDGE Trey Hendrickson
Cunningham's departure sets the stage for Poles' bold move to secure some much-needed pass rush help. This trade ensures the Bears don't give up too much high draft capital while landing a defensive end fresh off 17.5 sacks with Cincinnati. He is 30 years old, so his shelf life is uncertain, but there is no question the Pro Bowler can make an immediate impact alongside Montez Sweat.
Cuts:
- Gerald Everett - $5.48 million
- Ryan Bates - $4 million saved
- Dominique Robinson - $1.1 million saved
Re-signings:
- Matt Pryor - 1-year deal for $1.255 million
- DeAndre Carter - 1-year deal for $1.255 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:
- RG Trey Smith - 5-year deal for $110 million
- C Evan Brown - 3-year deal for $18 million
- EDGE Malcolm Koonce - 1-year deal for $10 million
- RB Rico Dowdle - 2-year deal for $10 million
Smith might not quite be worth $22 million per year, but Chicago can't be thrifty. They must upgrade Caleb Williams' projection right now. The bigger surprise is Brown. He had a terrific year in Arizona as their left guard, but people don't know he has started several games at center. Johnson should know. The two worked together in Detroit. Koonce had 8 sacks in 2023 before an injury ended his 2024 before the season began. This is a perfectly calculated risk. Dowdle was a surprise breakout in Dallas, amassing over 1300 total yards and five touchdowns.
The Draft:
Trade: 10th pick to Buccaneers for 19th picks and 2nd in 2025
1st Round (via TB) - Armand Membou, OL, Missouri
After watching the Eagles in the Super Bowl, it is obvious the Bears need to upgrade in the trenches if they want any chance of competing for a championship. Braxton Jones has been a decent starter at left tackle, but it feels like a good time to try upgrading that spot. Membou may not be the tallest tackle, but he's got the length, power, and athleticism necessary for the job. He's a force in the run game and has significantly improved as a pass protector.
2nd Round - Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
Dennis Allen prefers drafting pass rushers with established track records out of college. Umanmielen certainly applies. He has the desired size, length, and explosiveness the new defensive coordinator seeks. He also has 25.5 sacks in college, all in the SEC. Certain areas of his game can be coached up, but this is a ready-made pass rusher Chicago can absolutely use.
2nd Round (via CAR) - Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
If Booker were just a slightly better athlete, he would go in the 1st round. His lack of range might knock him down to the 2nd, which the Bears take full advantage of. What he lacks in mobility, he more than makes up in power, size, technique, and nastiness. Booker generates movement in the ground game and is almost impossible to bull rush. Plug him at either guard spot.
Trade: 51st pick to Giants for 3rd in 2025, 4th in 2025, 5th in 2026, and 5th in 2027
3rd Round (via NYG) - Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
Johnson will want to enhance the running game however possible. He likes having a tone-setter who can handle a heavy workload with power, contact balance, and vision. Think David Montgomery. Judkins is precisely that type of player. He didn't get all the hype like others on the Buckeyes offense did, but he was the straw that stirred the drink for much of the season.
4th Round (via NYG) - Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
He will be criticized for his lack of power and size, but Wilson overcomes that with athleticism, great hands, and leverage. While Johnson has seemed to prefer linemen with bigger frames, there is no doubt Wilson has plenty to offer if put in the right situation.
5th Round - Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma
Allen got great use out of Tyrann Mathieu in New Orleans despite constant questions about his size for years. Bowman is that type of player. He's not the biggest, but he's smart, instinctive, and has great ball skills. Chicago would be able to use him like a weapon all over the field.
6th Round - Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
Losing Andrew Billings to a season-ending injury exposed the run defense for the rest of the year. This Bears 2025 mock offseason can't conclude without adding some kind of interior depth at nose tackle. Caldwell has good size and considerable power and is able to hold his ground against double teams.
7th Round - Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU
This is a calculated risk since Lacy was involved in a hit-and-run car accident that resulted in a death. How his court situation plays out will determine whether he gets drafted. If he's cleared, he has the route-running, release, and YAC ability to be a real player in the NFL.
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