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The Chicago Bears are kicking off their offseason program, where new head coach Ben Johnson will start preparing his team for the 2025 season.
When looking at these projections, there aren't many holes that Poles needs to fill in the 2025 NFL draft, although there are certainly upgrades that could be made. That includes potentially upgrading at left tackle, where three-year starter Braxton Jones is coming off a broken ankle, edge rusher, to add another pass rusher to the roster, or even a playmaking running back.
As the Bears kick off their offseason program, we're projecting what the current Bears starting lineup will look like when Week 1 begins.
Caleb Williams' rookie season was far from ideal, as he led a team to a 5-12 record amid a 10-game losing streak, as well as dealt with two head coaches and three different offensive coordinators. But Williams still managed to impress and break franchise and NFL rookie records along the way. Now, heading into Year 2, with the addition of Johnson at head coach, the sky's the limit for the former No. 1 overall pick.
The Bears signed D'Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million contract last offseason to serve as the team's lead back. While Swift's first season wasn't a disappointment, it wasn't a success either. With Johnson's arrival, there's a high likelihood that Chicago will look to add to that room, most likely in the NFL draft with this deep class of running backs. For now, Swift is penciled in as the starter, but that could change heading into the draft.
DJ Moore remains the undisputed No. 1 wideout with the Bears, and he earned a four-year, $110 million extension before the start of the 2024 season. Last year was an underwhelming one for Moore, but he still had a career-high 98 receptions for 966 yards (leading the team) and six touchdowns. With a full offseason to continue to build chemistry with Williams, and the addition of Johnson, that connection will continue to flourish and Moore should be eyeing another 1,000-yard season.
The Bears drafted Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick in last year's draft, pairing him with Williams, and they both have a bright future. Despite being relegated to the WR3 role behind Moore and Keenan Allen, Odunze still thrived with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns while showing he has the potential to be a top wideout. With Keenan Allen expected to depart in free agency, Odunze will see an expanded role. And, with Johnson leading the offense, he'll be able to unlock Odunze's full potential.
Following the departure of Keenan Allen in free agency, the Bears signed Olamide Zaccheaus to serve in that WR3 role, primarily as the slot receiver. Zaccheaus had a career-high 45 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns last season with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Ben Johnson talked about the importance of the slot receiver in his offense, and Zaccheaus' run-after-the-catch ability could make him a big part of this offense.
Cole Kmet has been one of the most reliable players on offense, as evidenced by his four-year, $50 million extension in 2023, but he had his worst season since his rookie year. Kmet had 47 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns, but it wasn't all Kmet's fault. He had a career-high 85.5 catch percentage, but he was used more as a blocker for a struggling offensive line. Now, with Johnson calling the shots, expect Kmet to make a comeback and establish himself as one of Williams' favorite targets.
This is the only real question mark for the starting offensive line at this point. While Braxton Jones has been the starting left tackle since he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft, there are several things working against him. He's not necessity the long-term answer at left tackle, and he's also coming off a broken fibula. Right now, Jones gets the starting nod at left tackle, but that could certainly change in the NFL draft as Chicago is sitting with the 10th overall pick.
The Bears have found their left guard in Joe Thuney, a two-time First-Team All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler and four-time Super Bowl winner. Thuney is one of the best guards in the entire NFL, and his presence will shore up the interior of Chicago's offensive line. Thuney is an elite pass blocker, and he's been the best pass-blocking guard, per Pro Football Focus, since 2021 with a 90.2 grade.
The Bears didn't wait long to make a push for free-agent center Drew Dalman, who agreed to terms with the team within the first couple of hours of free agency's negotiation period. He signed a three-year, $42 million deal that makes him the second-highest paid center in the NFL. Last season, Dalman was a top-five center, per Pro Football Focus, and he completes the overhaul of the interior offensive line.
It certainly appeared that Jonah Jackson was in line to start at left guard until Chicago traded for All-Pro Joe Thuney, so Jackson slots into the right guard spot. Jackson, a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, is a versatile offensive lineman who has played all three positions along the interior. The Bears signed Jackson to a one-year extension that keeps him in Chicago through 2027.
Former first-round pick Darnell Wright is a rising star at right tackle, and he's coming off an impressive second season with Chicago. He was a lone bright spot along an offensive line that allowed a league-high 68 sacks. Wright was the fifth-highest graded right tackle, per Pro Football Focus, at 79.3 -- and that was on one of the NFL's worst offensive lines. His future is bright with this new-look offensive line group.
Following a career year, where he had 12.5 sacks, expectations were high for Pro Bowler Montez Sweat in 2024. But his production dipped in his first full season with the Bears, where he had the fewest sacks (5.5) since the 2021 season (5.0). Sweat battled ankle, toe and shin injuries that limited him, but he did appear in all but one game. Chicago's pass rush lacked a true complement to Sweat, who commanded extra attention with double teams and chips, which showed in the lack of production off the edge outside of Sweat.
Following the release of DeMarcus Walker, the Bears brought in Dayo Odeyingbo (who signed a three-year, $48 million deal) to shore up the edge opposite Sweat. While Odeyingbo wasn't the big name everyone was expecting, he's a young, ascending player in this league that could flash in Dennis Allen's defense. Odeyingbo also brings versatility to the defensive line, as he can line up off the edge or along the interior. We'll see if Chicago elects to further shore up the pass rush in the NFL draft, but Odeyingbo is the guy with that kind of contract.
Chicago made a huge addition to the interior defensive line with the signing of Grady Jarrett, who was released by the Atlanta Falcons at the start of free agency. Last season, Garrett totaled 53 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 12 QB hits in 17 starts with the Falcons. He's a former All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler that figures to be a valuable contributor on defense. The Bears get a dominant interior lineman and a leader for this young defensive line. Andrew Billings also figures to serve a significant role, as it'll be a three-man rotation with Jarrett, Dexter and Billings.
Last season, Gervon Dexter was the most pleasant surprise on defense in his first full season starting. He set career highs across the board in total tackles (51), tackles for loss (4), sacks (5.0), QB hits (19) and fumble recoveries (2). Unfortunately, Dexter's production took a hit after the loss of Andrew Billings. But he's still established himself as a key player along the defensive interior, and he serves to benefit as he continues to learn from Billings and now Grady Jarrett.
T.J. Edwards is entering the final year of his contract, and he's been worth every penny of his affordable contract signed back in 2023. Even as the Bears defense regressed as the season went on, Edwards continued to make plays and proved to be one of their better players. He totaled 129 tackles, six QB hits, one interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, as well as set career highs in sacks (4) and tackles for loss (12). Edwards has proven to be an impactful off-ball linebacker who could thrive in new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's system.
The Bears made a splash when they signed Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million contract in 2023, but he hasn't lived up to the hype (or the money). While Edmunds had a solid first year, he took a step back in 2024, and he's going to need to prove his worth this season. Edmunds, who has the fourth-highest cap hit at $17.43 million, has plenty to prove this season as new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen steps in. Otherwise, there's an out for Chicago in the final year of his contract in 2026.
After signing a well-deserved contract extension in the offseason, Jaylon Johnson once again proved that he's one of the most important players on this Bears roster -- and one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. Johnson had his second consecutive Pro Bowl season, where he forced three turnovers and recorded a career-high in tackles (53) and tackles for loss (7) all with teams electing to steer clear of him when they could. He'll be a cornerstone of Dennis Allen's defense.
Tyrique Stevenson looked primed for a breakout season following an impressive Week 1 performance against the Titans, which included a pick-6 and NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Unfortunately, his entire second season was marred by his part in the Hail Mary loss against the Commanders, where he was seen on video talking with fans -- and out of place -- as the final play got underway. But Stevenson should benefit from the addition of new head coach Ben Johnson and this coaching staff.
Kyler Gordon has developed into one of the NFL's best nickel cornerbacks, and he could find even more success under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Last season, he had a career-high 75 tackles, including our tackles for loss, four pass breakups, 0.5 sack, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and two QB hits in 15 games. Gordon certainly fits that "attacking, aggressive style of defense" that Allen is looking to build in Chicago. Gordon, who's entering the final year of his rookie deal, has made a case for a contract extension.
The Bears signed Byard to a two-year, $15 million deal last offseason, and he was one of the more reliable members of the defense, posting a career-high 130 total tackles, becoming the first Bears defensive back to lead the team in tackles since 2014. He also tied a career-high 2.0 sacks and made plays be it through forcing takeaways, recovering turnovers and breaking up passes. Byard also started every game in 2024, which was huge for this defense. But outside of his production was his impact as a whole, as Byard served as a veteran leader in a relatively young secondary.
Jaquan Brisker has been an integral member of this Bears defense, but health remains his biggest hurdle. Last season, Brisker suffered his third concussion, in as many seasons, in Week 5, and he missed the remainder of the season. His loss was certainly felt, as Chicago juggled between Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens, but his health was more concerning. Brisker said on social media that he's good to go for this season. And while he should be gearing up for a contract extension, he needs to play a full season before the Bears would feel comfortable with that.
Cairo Santos has brought stability to the Bears kicking position which had been lacking since Robbie Gould. But Santos had his worst season since joining the Bears. He connected on just 84% of his field goals in 2024, which was his lowest since signing with Chicago. His biggest struggle came in the 40-49 range, where he connected on just 5-of-8. By contrast, Santos made every field goal but one beyond 50 yards, including the game-winner against the Packers in the season finale.
The Bears stunned everyone when they used a fourth-round pick on punter Tory Taylor, but he proved to be one of the more reliable players on the roster. In his first season with Chicago, Taylor showcased his booming leg and how he can flip the field. That's not to say his season was perfect, but he was a clear upgrade over former punter Trenton Gill. Taylor averaged 47.7 yards per punt, downed 34 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line and his longest punt was 68 yards.
Patrick Scales had long been a mainstay at long snapper, but a back injury thrust Scott Daly into the starting lineup for the entire 2024 season. He did miss most of the Jaguars game in London, where he was replaced by tight end Cole Kmet, who won NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his emergency services. But Daly showed the Bears enough to earn a one-year contract extension.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears offseason program: Projecting 2025 starting lineup
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When looking at these projections, there aren't many holes that Poles needs to fill in the 2025 NFL draft, although there are certainly upgrades that could be made. That includes potentially upgrading at left tackle, where three-year starter Braxton Jones is coming off a broken ankle, edge rusher, to add another pass rusher to the roster, or even a playmaking running back.
As the Bears kick off their offseason program, we're projecting what the current Bears starting lineup will look like when Week 1 begins.
QB Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams' rookie season was far from ideal, as he led a team to a 5-12 record amid a 10-game losing streak, as well as dealt with two head coaches and three different offensive coordinators. But Williams still managed to impress and break franchise and NFL rookie records along the way. Now, heading into Year 2, with the addition of Johnson at head coach, the sky's the limit for the former No. 1 overall pick.
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RB D'Andre Swift
The Bears signed D'Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million contract last offseason to serve as the team's lead back. While Swift's first season wasn't a disappointment, it wasn't a success either. With Johnson's arrival, there's a high likelihood that Chicago will look to add to that room, most likely in the NFL draft with this deep class of running backs. For now, Swift is penciled in as the starter, but that could change heading into the draft.
WR DJ Moore
DJ Moore remains the undisputed No. 1 wideout with the Bears, and he earned a four-year, $110 million extension before the start of the 2024 season. Last year was an underwhelming one for Moore, but he still had a career-high 98 receptions for 966 yards (leading the team) and six touchdowns. With a full offseason to continue to build chemistry with Williams, and the addition of Johnson, that connection will continue to flourish and Moore should be eyeing another 1,000-yard season.
WR Rome Odunze
The Bears drafted Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick in last year's draft, pairing him with Williams, and they both have a bright future. Despite being relegated to the WR3 role behind Moore and Keenan Allen, Odunze still thrived with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns while showing he has the potential to be a top wideout. With Keenan Allen expected to depart in free agency, Odunze will see an expanded role. And, with Johnson leading the offense, he'll be able to unlock Odunze's full potential.
WR OIamide Zaccheaus
Following the departure of Keenan Allen in free agency, the Bears signed Olamide Zaccheaus to serve in that WR3 role, primarily as the slot receiver. Zaccheaus had a career-high 45 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns last season with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Ben Johnson talked about the importance of the slot receiver in his offense, and Zaccheaus' run-after-the-catch ability could make him a big part of this offense.
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TE Cole Kmet
Cole Kmet has been one of the most reliable players on offense, as evidenced by his four-year, $50 million extension in 2023, but he had his worst season since his rookie year. Kmet had 47 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns, but it wasn't all Kmet's fault. He had a career-high 85.5 catch percentage, but he was used more as a blocker for a struggling offensive line. Now, with Johnson calling the shots, expect Kmet to make a comeback and establish himself as one of Williams' favorite targets.
LT Braxton Jones
This is the only real question mark for the starting offensive line at this point. While Braxton Jones has been the starting left tackle since he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft, there are several things working against him. He's not necessity the long-term answer at left tackle, and he's also coming off a broken fibula. Right now, Jones gets the starting nod at left tackle, but that could certainly change in the NFL draft as Chicago is sitting with the 10th overall pick.
LG Joe Thuney
The Bears have found their left guard in Joe Thuney, a two-time First-Team All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler and four-time Super Bowl winner. Thuney is one of the best guards in the entire NFL, and his presence will shore up the interior of Chicago's offensive line. Thuney is an elite pass blocker, and he's been the best pass-blocking guard, per Pro Football Focus, since 2021 with a 90.2 grade.
C Drew Dalman
The Bears didn't wait long to make a push for free-agent center Drew Dalman, who agreed to terms with the team within the first couple of hours of free agency's negotiation period. He signed a three-year, $42 million deal that makes him the second-highest paid center in the NFL. Last season, Dalman was a top-five center, per Pro Football Focus, and he completes the overhaul of the interior offensive line.
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RG Jonah Jackson
It certainly appeared that Jonah Jackson was in line to start at left guard until Chicago traded for All-Pro Joe Thuney, so Jackson slots into the right guard spot. Jackson, a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, is a versatile offensive lineman who has played all three positions along the interior. The Bears signed Jackson to a one-year extension that keeps him in Chicago through 2027.
RT Darnell Wright
Former first-round pick Darnell Wright is a rising star at right tackle, and he's coming off an impressive second season with Chicago. He was a lone bright spot along an offensive line that allowed a league-high 68 sacks. Wright was the fifth-highest graded right tackle, per Pro Football Focus, at 79.3 -- and that was on one of the NFL's worst offensive lines. His future is bright with this new-look offensive line group.
DE Montez Sweat
Following a career year, where he had 12.5 sacks, expectations were high for Pro Bowler Montez Sweat in 2024. But his production dipped in his first full season with the Bears, where he had the fewest sacks (5.5) since the 2021 season (5.0). Sweat battled ankle, toe and shin injuries that limited him, but he did appear in all but one game. Chicago's pass rush lacked a true complement to Sweat, who commanded extra attention with double teams and chips, which showed in the lack of production off the edge outside of Sweat.
DE Dayo Odeyingbo
Following the release of DeMarcus Walker, the Bears brought in Dayo Odeyingbo (who signed a three-year, $48 million deal) to shore up the edge opposite Sweat. While Odeyingbo wasn't the big name everyone was expecting, he's a young, ascending player in this league that could flash in Dennis Allen's defense. Odeyingbo also brings versatility to the defensive line, as he can line up off the edge or along the interior. We'll see if Chicago elects to further shore up the pass rush in the NFL draft, but Odeyingbo is the guy with that kind of contract.
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DT Grady Jarrett
Chicago made a huge addition to the interior defensive line with the signing of Grady Jarrett, who was released by the Atlanta Falcons at the start of free agency. Last season, Garrett totaled 53 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 12 QB hits in 17 starts with the Falcons. He's a former All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler that figures to be a valuable contributor on defense. The Bears get a dominant interior lineman and a leader for this young defensive line. Andrew Billings also figures to serve a significant role, as it'll be a three-man rotation with Jarrett, Dexter and Billings.
DT Gervon Dexter
Last season, Gervon Dexter was the most pleasant surprise on defense in his first full season starting. He set career highs across the board in total tackles (51), tackles for loss (4), sacks (5.0), QB hits (19) and fumble recoveries (2). Unfortunately, Dexter's production took a hit after the loss of Andrew Billings. But he's still established himself as a key player along the defensive interior, and he serves to benefit as he continues to learn from Billings and now Grady Jarrett.
LB T.J. Edwards
T.J. Edwards is entering the final year of his contract, and he's been worth every penny of his affordable contract signed back in 2023. Even as the Bears defense regressed as the season went on, Edwards continued to make plays and proved to be one of their better players. He totaled 129 tackles, six QB hits, one interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, as well as set career highs in sacks (4) and tackles for loss (12). Edwards has proven to be an impactful off-ball linebacker who could thrive in new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's system.
LB Tremaine Edmunds
The Bears made a splash when they signed Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million contract in 2023, but he hasn't lived up to the hype (or the money). While Edmunds had a solid first year, he took a step back in 2024, and he's going to need to prove his worth this season. Edmunds, who has the fourth-highest cap hit at $17.43 million, has plenty to prove this season as new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen steps in. Otherwise, there's an out for Chicago in the final year of his contract in 2026.
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CB Jaylon Johnson
After signing a well-deserved contract extension in the offseason, Jaylon Johnson once again proved that he's one of the most important players on this Bears roster -- and one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. Johnson had his second consecutive Pro Bowl season, where he forced three turnovers and recorded a career-high in tackles (53) and tackles for loss (7) all with teams electing to steer clear of him when they could. He'll be a cornerstone of Dennis Allen's defense.
CB Tyrique Stevenson
Tyrique Stevenson looked primed for a breakout season following an impressive Week 1 performance against the Titans, which included a pick-6 and NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Unfortunately, his entire second season was marred by his part in the Hail Mary loss against the Commanders, where he was seen on video talking with fans -- and out of place -- as the final play got underway. But Stevenson should benefit from the addition of new head coach Ben Johnson and this coaching staff.
NCB Kyler Gordon
Kyler Gordon has developed into one of the NFL's best nickel cornerbacks, and he could find even more success under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Last season, he had a career-high 75 tackles, including our tackles for loss, four pass breakups, 0.5 sack, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and two QB hits in 15 games. Gordon certainly fits that "attacking, aggressive style of defense" that Allen is looking to build in Chicago. Gordon, who's entering the final year of his rookie deal, has made a case for a contract extension.
S Kevin Byard
The Bears signed Byard to a two-year, $15 million deal last offseason, and he was one of the more reliable members of the defense, posting a career-high 130 total tackles, becoming the first Bears defensive back to lead the team in tackles since 2014. He also tied a career-high 2.0 sacks and made plays be it through forcing takeaways, recovering turnovers and breaking up passes. Byard also started every game in 2024, which was huge for this defense. But outside of his production was his impact as a whole, as Byard served as a veteran leader in a relatively young secondary.
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S Jaquan Brisker
Jaquan Brisker has been an integral member of this Bears defense, but health remains his biggest hurdle. Last season, Brisker suffered his third concussion, in as many seasons, in Week 5, and he missed the remainder of the season. His loss was certainly felt, as Chicago juggled between Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens, but his health was more concerning. Brisker said on social media that he's good to go for this season. And while he should be gearing up for a contract extension, he needs to play a full season before the Bears would feel comfortable with that.
K Cairo Santos
Cairo Santos has brought stability to the Bears kicking position which had been lacking since Robbie Gould. But Santos had his worst season since joining the Bears. He connected on just 84% of his field goals in 2024, which was his lowest since signing with Chicago. His biggest struggle came in the 40-49 range, where he connected on just 5-of-8. By contrast, Santos made every field goal but one beyond 50 yards, including the game-winner against the Packers in the season finale.
P Tory Taylor
The Bears stunned everyone when they used a fourth-round pick on punter Tory Taylor, but he proved to be one of the more reliable players on the roster. In his first season with Chicago, Taylor showcased his booming leg and how he can flip the field. That's not to say his season was perfect, but he was a clear upgrade over former punter Trenton Gill. Taylor averaged 47.7 yards per punt, downed 34 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line and his longest punt was 68 yards.
LS Scott Daly
Patrick Scales had long been a mainstay at long snapper, but a back injury thrust Scott Daly into the starting lineup for the entire 2024 season. He did miss most of the Jaguars game in London, where he was replaced by tight end Cole Kmet, who won NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his emergency services. But Daly showed the Bears enough to earn a one-year contract extension.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears offseason program: Projecting 2025 starting lineup
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