The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 offseason with a clear mission: rebuild around quarterback Caleb Williams and end a decades-long cycle of mediocrity. After a disappointing 5-12 season in 2024, marked by an NFL-high 68 sacks allowed and a defense that struggled to generate pressure, general manager Ryan Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson orchestrated a complete overhaul. From trades to key free-agent signings, the Bears made waves, earning the title of “offseason champs” for the third straight year. But which of these moves will have the greatest impact in 2025? Here’s my ranking of the Bears top five offseason acquisitions, evaluated for their potential to transform the franchise.
1. Hiring Head Coach Ben Johnson
The Move: The Bears lured Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions highly coveted offensive coordinator, to become their head coach, replacing Matt Eberflus after a midseason firing in 2024.
Why It’s No. 1: Johnson’s hiring is a game-changer for a franchise desperate for offensive innovation. In Detroit, he turned Jared Goff into a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback and led the Lions to rank top-five in points per game (27.1) and yards per game (394.8) in 2023. His schemes, known for pre-snap motion, play-action, and balanced attacks, are tailor made for Caleb Williams dual-threat skill set. Beyond Xs and Os, Johnson brings a culture of accountability and leadership, something the Bears have lacked since the Lovie Smith era.
Impact Potential: Johnson’s arrival addresses the 2024 coaching ineptitude that hindered Williams rookie season. His track record suggests he can maximize Williams, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and new weapons like Colston Loveland. If Johnson translates his coordinator success to head coaching, the Bears could leap from 32nd in total offense (284.6 yards per game) to a top-15 unit, setting the stage for playoff contention.
Risk Factor: As a first-time head coach, Johnson may face growing pains in managing a full team. However, his proven resume and the Bears talent upgrades mitigate this concern.
2. Trading for All-Pro Guard Joe Thuney
The Move: The Bears acquired four-time All-Pro guard Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2026 fourth-round pick, bolstering their offensive line.
Why It’s No. 2: Thuney, a two-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Super Bowl champion, is a cornerstone addition. In 2024, he led NFL guards in pass block win rate for the fourth consecutive year and even started nine games at left tackle for the Chiefs, showcasing his versatility. At 32, Thuney brings elite play and veteran leadership to a line that allowed a league-worst 68 sacks in 2024.
Impact Potential: Thuney’s presence should drastically reduce pressure on Williams, who was sacked on 12.1% of his drop backs in 2024, the highest rate in the NFL. His experience in winning locker rooms (Patriots and Chiefs) will also help instill a championship culture at Halas Hall. Expect cleaner pockets and a more confident Williams.
Risk Factor: Thuney’s $16 million cap hit and age (32) raise questions about long-term value, but his durability (146 starts, missing only two games in nine years) makes this a low-risk, high-reward move for 2025.
3. Signing Center Drew Dalman
The Move: The Bears signed former Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42 million deal, addressing a position that has plagued them for years.
Why It’s No. 3: Dalman, one of the top free-agent centers, brings athleticism and elite football IQ to an interior line that was a liability in 2024. Pro Football Focus graded him among the top five centers over the past two seasons, and his ability to read defenses will aid Williams pre-snap adjustments. Paired with Thuney and Jonah Jackson, Dalman forms an impressive interior trio, critical for Johnson’s wide-zone running scheme and pass protection.
Impact Potential: A stable center is vital for a young quarterback, and Dalman’s signing could cut the Bears sack total significantly. His fit in Johnson’s scheme, which emphasizes athletic linemen, should also boost the run game, potentially elevating players like D’Andre Swift. If Dalman stays healthy, the Bears interior could rank among the NFC’s best, a stark contrast to their 2024 struggles.
Risk Factor: Dalman’s ankle injury limited him to nine games in 2024, and his smaller frame (6-foot-3, 299 pounds) may not perfectly suit Johnson’s gap schemes. However, the strength of Thuney and Jackson mitigates this concern.
4. Trading for Guard Jonah Jackson
The Move: The Bears traded a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for guard Jonah Jackson, reuniting him with Ben Johnson from their time in Detroit.
Why It’s No. 4: Jackson, a 2021 Pro Bowler under Johnson in Detroit, started 61 games over five NFL seasons and offers versatility across guard and center. His familiarity with Johnson’s system ensures a seamless fit, and his addition completes a revamped interior line. Despite playing only four games in 2024 due to injury, Jackson’s peak performance—25 starts in Detroit from 2022-23—shows his potential to protect Williams.
Impact Potential: Jackson’s durability concerns are real, but when healthy, he’s a top-tier guard. His presence alongside Thuney and Dalman should create a very clean pocket, allowing Williams to step up and make plays. His prior success in Johnson’s scheme could also accelerate the offense’s learning curve.
Risk Factor: Jackson’s $17.5 million cap hit and recent injury history make this a riskier move than Thuney or Dalman. His performance hinges on staying healthy and recapturing his 2021 form.
5. Signing Defensive Tackle Grady Jarrett
The Move: The Bears signed veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to a three-year, $43.5 million deal after his release from the Atlanta Falcons.
Why It’s No. 5: Jarrett, a two-time Pro Bowler, brings experience and leadership to a defensive line that ranked 29th in yards per carry allowed (4.8) in 2024. Despite a 2023 ACL tear, Jarrett posted 30 solo tackles and nine tackles for loss in 2024, numbers that would have led Bears interior linemen. His high motor and rotational role under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen make him a key piece.
Impact Potential: Jarrett’s veteran presence should improve the Bears run defense and add interior pass-rush juice (four sacks in 2024). His mentorship of younger players like Gervon Dexter Sr. and rookie Shemar Turner could also unlock the defensive line’s potential, helping the Bears climb from 27th in total defense.
Risk Factor: At 32 and coming off an ACL injury, Jarrett’s production may decline further. His $28.5 million guaranteed deal is steep for a rotational player, but his leadership mitigates the risk for a team needing defensive identity.
Why These Moves Matter
The Bears 2025 offseason was a masterclass in addressing critical needs: coaching, offensive line, and defensive line. Ben Johnson’s hiring tops the list for its potential to redefine the franchise, followed closely by the offensive line trio of Thuney, Dalman, and Jackson, which directly tackles the 2024 season’s biggest weakness—68 sacks allowed. Jarrett edges out Dayo Odeyingbo for the fifth spot due to his proven leadership and immediate fit, though Odeyingbo’s upside could prove pivotal.
The biggest question remains: Can these moves translate to on-field success? The Bears have “won” the offseason before, only to embarrass themselves in the regular season. With Johnson’s play-calling, a fortified offensive line, and defensive upgrades, the pieces are in place for Caleb Williams to take a second-year leap and for the Bears to challenge for the NFC North. If these moves click, Chicago could finally shed its reputation as an offseason hype machine and become a true contender in 2025.
