The Chicago Bears are taking significant steps forward after a disappointing 2024 season that ended with a 5-12 record. New head coach Ben Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is expected to breathe new life into the team's offense and help quarterback Caleb Williams find his footing. With the Bears holding three picks in the top 41 of the upcoming NFL draft and ample cap space, they are poised to make impactful changes this offseason.

Key players like wide receiver Keenan Allen and tight end Marcedes Lewis are facing uncertain futures, while the team aims to shore up glaring weaknesses on both offensive and defensive fronts. The offensive line is particularly crucial, having allowed Williams to be sacked a league-high 68 times in his rookie campaign. Johnson’s innovative play-calling will be essential for the Bears to maximize their potential in 2025.

As the 2024-25 NFL season concludes, teams are gearing up for a significant offseason marked by free agency and potential roster improvements. The upcoming free agent market is highlighted by a strong class of guards, including Trey Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs, who impressively achieved a PFF overall grade of 78.8 during the regular season. At just 25 years old, Smith is poised for a lucrative contract, despite concerns about his prior health issues.

Other notable guards ready to test free agency include Will Fries from the Indianapolis Colts, who showcased his skills before suffering a tibia fracture, and Teven Jenkins of the Chicago Bears, who faces uncertainty due to injury struggles throughout his early career. Kevin Zeitler, now with the Detroit Lions, recorded his best season since 2014, while James Daniels of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Mekhi Becton of the Eagles round out the noteworthy names.

The Chicago Bears are under pressure to change their conservative drafting strategy, especially as they look to maximize quarterback Caleb Williams' potential. General Manager Ryan Poles faces the risk of unemployment if the team's performance does not improve in the upcoming seasons. Suggestions for the Bears include revamping their running game by drafting rookie Ashton Jeanty or signing veteran Najee Harris, and being bold with trades to secure a first-round pick by moving their two second-round picks.

Additionally, the team might consider letting go of key players like Keenan Allen and Cole Kmet, to shift towards younger, more dynamic options. The idea is to create a more competitive roster that better supports Williams, allowing him to thrive in what many hope will be a turnaround season for the franchise.

In a future scenario, the Minnesota Vikings are set to utilize nearly $70 million in cap space to build around quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is recovering from a knee injury. The team is moving on from Sam Darnold, opting instead to develop McCarthy with a formidable offensive lineup. The Vikings aim to upgrade their offensive line significantly, potentially bringing in top free agents to enhance their protection for McCarthy.

This hypothetical rebuild includes retaining key players like Daniel Jones as a backup, and focusing on bolstering the offensive line with Christian Darrisaw and Trey Smith, among others. The tight end position remains strong with T.J. Hockenson, while the wide receiver corps, featuring Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, is expected to maintain stability despite potential defensive losses. The running back spot could see Aaron Jones return, paired with a promising draft pick.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears are preparing to revamp their roster, particularly the offensive line, to better protect rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. After a dismal season, where Williams was sacked a record 68 times, GM Ryan Poles is expected to invest in free agents while also making critical early-round draft picks.

With current left tackle Braxton Jones coming off a leg injury and left guard Teven Jenkins likely heading for free agency, the Bears face a significant overhaul. The team needs to fill two to three positions on the offensive line, making it essential that Chicago targets blue-chip offensive linemen in the draft.