2025 NFL Yearbook: Chicago Bears

A season preview of the Chicago Bears.

All Access Football NFL Yearbook Series Counts you down to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game with an in-depth look at 32 organizations in 32 days. Presented by the Official 2026 NFL Draft Bible.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Howard Balzer, Dominic Ambrose and Jarrett Reigel contributed to this report] || [Some information also appears in the Lindy’s NFL & College Football Season Preview Guides. — Obtain these must-have magazines here]

NFL YEARBOOK SERIES: NO.32 — SAINTS || NO.31 — BROWNS || NO.30 — PANTHERS || NO.29 — TITANS

2025 NFL YEARBOOK: CHICAGO BEARS

NFC SOUTH || 2024 RECORD: 5-12 || AAF NFL POWER RANKING: 28

TEAM BRASS

Owner: George McCaskey || General Manager: Ryan Poles || Head Coach: Ben Johnson || Offensive Coordinator: Declan Doyle || Defensive Coordinator: Dennis Allen || Special Teams: Richard Hightower

REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

2025 NFLPA GRADES || OVERALL RANKINGS (12 of 32)

Treatment of Families: C+ (19th) || Food / Dining Area: C+ (22nd) || Nutritionist / Dietician: B (19th) || Locker Room: A- (8th) || Training Room: B+ (11th) || Training Staff: B (17th) || Weight Room: A (6th) || Strength Coaches: B+ (20th) || Team Travel: B (19th) || Head Coach: C (32nd) || Ownership: A- (13th)

The Chicago Bears rank 14th overall in this year’s survey. They continue to provide a high-quality facility, which the players appreciate. The players’ most frequent complaint was with their former head coach Matt Eberflus. The players felt like he lacked a willingness to listen to the players and the players’ leadership council and he mismanaged the weekly team schedule. After the team completed the survey, the Bears terminated Eberflus and hired Ben Johnson as their new head coach. It will be interesting for the players to see if some of these areas change next year.

OVERVIEW

Expectations are extremely high in Chi-Town. The arrival of the aforementioned Johnson (photo: Chicago Bears) as new head coach has the organization full of optimism. They certainly improved themselves during the draft but it doesn’t come without question. Most controversial, was their decision to select Colston Loveland over Tyler Warren. It may prove to be the correct call but it appears suspect on the surface. Injecting Luther Burden III into this offense could turn out to be the most impactful draft choice, while they also acquired several hard-nosed, gritty prospects who bring top-level athleticism traits. It should be fascinating to watch it all blend together.

OFFENSE RANKINGS

Total Offense: 283.5 (32nd) || Passing: 181.5 (31st) || Rushing: 102.0 (24th) || Points: 18.2 (28th) || Sacked: 68 (32nd) || 3rd Down: 32.9% (31st)

DEFENSE RANKINGS

Total Defense: 354.2 (27th) || Passing: 217.9 (17th) || Rushing: 136.3 (27th) || Points Allowed: 21.8 (14th) || Sacks: 40 (T-16th) || Turnover Differential: 8 (9th)

TOP 10 FRANCHISE PLAYERS

1. Jaylon Johnson, Cornerback

2. DJ Moore, Wide Receiver

3. Montez Sweat, Defensive End

4. Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker

5. Caleb Williams, Quarterback

6. Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle

7. Cole Kmet, Tight End

8. Jaquan Brisker, Safety

9. Kevin Byard, Safety

10. Grady Jarrett, Defensive Tackle

TOP 10 PLAYERS UNDER 25

1. Caleb Williams, Quarterback (23)

2. Darnell Wright, Tight End (23)

3. Rome Odunze, Wide Receiver (23)

4. Colston Loveland, Tight End (21)

5. Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver (21)

6. Gervon Dexter Jr., Defensive Tackle (23)

7. Ozzy Trapilio, Offensive Tackle (23)

8. Shemar Turner, Defensive Tackle (22)

9. Kyle Monangai, Running Back (25)

10. Zah Frazier, Cornerback (24)

BUST OUT PLAYERS

A third play-caller entering year two is not exactly the blueprint Chicago had in mind when they made Caleb Williams (photo: Chicago Bears) the number one overall pick but here we are. There were certainly signs of Williams being future franchise signal-caller, including four games of 300-plus passing yards (three of which they lost) but overall, the Bears regressed. Now paired with new hot shot head coach Ben Johnson, magic could be on the horizon … No one would benefit more from a big year by Williams than his emerging go-to target in Rome Odunze. The fellow first-rounder ran into the proverbial rookie wall in the second half of the season. A big boost in production is anticipated … A new staff could mean different roles for certain players on defense such as Gervon Dexter. The second round pick from 2023 stepped into a starting role at defensive tackle last year and responded with a whopping 19 quarterback hits and five sacks. Dexter has since trimmed weight and appears to be much more leaner, indicating a move to defensive end could be coming. There, they would be able to make better usage of his pass-rush prowess.

2025 NFL DRAFT CLASS

ROUND | PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POSITION | SCHOOL

Rd.1 No.10. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan — A major shock that would reverberate throughout the host city of Green Bay, the Bears go with Loveland over Tyler Warren of Penn State, who many viewed as a blue-chip. Get ready for the 12-personnel in Chi-Town. (photo: Chicago Bears)

Rd.2 No.39. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri — With weapons galore, Chicago has setup Caleb Williams for success. Burden is a super slot standout in the making and gives the Bears a trio of speed-demons, along with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.

Rd.2 No.56. Ozzy Trapilio, OT, Boston College — This selection speaks to the commitment that Chicago has made on the offensive line, as Trapilio projects as a swingman tackle who could step in and start in a pinch, if needed.

Rd.2 No.62. Shemar Turner, DT, Baltimore — With an excellent blend of size and speed, Turner brings vast experience, along with the versatility to play multiple spots. He’ll likely be eased into the rotation, as he deals with a stress fracture in his leg.

Rd.4 No.132. Ruben Hyppolite II, LB, Maryland — An interesting choice, considering Hyppolite II was not a combine invite and lacks size. However, he was impressive during Tropical Bowl week and might be the fastest linebacker in the draft.

Rd.5 No.169. Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA — Betting on traits and upside, Frazier possesses rare length, along with freaky athleticism. He’ll compete to add depth at cornerback but could possibly slide to safety if he runs into any struggles.

Rd.6 No.195. Luke Newman, OG, Michigan State — A late-riser during the process, Newman is a two-time FCS standout who excelled with the Spartans and can play all three interior spots. He had an outstanding Shrine Bowl and combine performance.

Rd.7 No.233. Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers — The gritty Monangai is a nice ‘break glass in case of an emergency’ type runner to have on the back-burner. He runs through arm tackles and can grind out the tough yards when needed.

OVERALL IMPACT = 3 Average Impact

ADDITIONS

• WR Miles Boykin (0/0; FA; $1.17M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• C Drew Dalman (9/9; UFA Falcons; $42M/3 yrs, $26.5M fully gtd/$1.5M gtd injury only fully gtd 3rd day 2026 LY/$6M SB/$13.64M 2025 cap)

• WR Devin Duvernay (13/1; FA Jaguars; $1.337.5M/1 yr, $167,500 SB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• G Jonah Jackson (4/4; trade Rams)

• DT Grady Jarrett (17/17; FA Falcons; $42.75M/3 yrs, $27.25M fully gtd/$1.25M gtd injury only fully gtd 3rd day 2026 LY/$12M SB/$5.4M 2025 cap/2 void years)

• CB Nahshon Jones (1/0; FA Vikings; $1.1M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.1M 2025 cap)

• QB Case Keenum (0/0; UFA Texans; $2.25M/1 yr, $2.155M gtd/$90K SB/$2.25M 2025 cap/$750K incentives)

• CB Nick McCloud (15/5; UFA 49ers; $1.32M/1 yr, $50K SB/$1.18M 2025 cap)

• G Jordan McFadden (1/0, waivers Raiders)

• DE Dayo Odeyingbo (17/14; UFA Colts; $48M/3 yrs, $29.5M gully gtd/$2.5M gtd injury only fully gtd 3rd day 2026 LY/$13.5M SB/$8M 2025 cap)

• TE Durham Smythe (17/4; FA Dolphins; $2.5M/1/r, $1.5M gtd/$500K SB/$2.5M 2025 cap)

• G Joe Thuney (17/17; traded Chiefs)

• CB Shaun Wade (0/0; FA; $1.1M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.1M 2025 cap)

• WR Olamide Zaccheaus (17/6; UFA Commanders; $1.5M/1 yr, $750K gtd/$150K SB/$1.5M 2025 cap)

RE-SIGNINGS

• S Josh Blackwell (potential RFA; $5M/2 yrs, $2.45M gtd/$750K SB/$2.375M 2025 cap)

• TE Stephen Carlson (UFA; $1.03M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• LS Scott Daly (potential UFA; $1.337.5m/1 YUR, $167,500 sb/$1.197.5 2025 cap)

• DT Jonathan Ford (ERFA; $1.03M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• DE Daniel Hardy (ERFA; $1.03M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• RB Travis Homer (UFA; $1.75M/1 yr, $1M gtd/$200K SB/$1.645M 2025 cap)

• C Doug Kramer Jr. (not tendered as ERFA; $1.03M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• S Tarvarius Moore (potential UFA; $1.17M1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• C/G Bill Murray (ERFA; $1.03M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (potential UFA; $5M/2 yrs, $2.45M gtd/$750K SB/$2.375M 2025 cap)

• CB Ameer Speed (ERFA; $1.03M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.03M 2025 cap)

• DT Chris Williams (RFA tendered at $3.263M with no compensation; $3.263M/1 yr)

DEPARTURES

• T Larry Borom (8/4; UFA Dolphins; $2.5M gtd/$1.33M SB/$2.5M 2025 cap/$500K incentives)

• WR DeAndre Carter (13/0; UFA Browns; $1.422.5M/1 yr, $767.5K gtd/$167,500 SB/$1.197.5M 2025 cap)

• DT Byron Cowart (15/7; UFA Jets; $1.337.5/1 yr, $167,500 SB/$1.197.5 2025 cap)

• G/T Jake Curhan (10/2; UFA Cardinals; $1.195M/1 yr, no gtd/$1.055M 2025 cap)

• RB Darrynton Evans (5/0; UFA Bills; $1.21M/1 yr, $15K SB/$1.07M 2025 cap)

• TE Gerald Everett (17/4; released)

• G Teven Jenkins (14/14; UFA Browns; $3.05M/1 yr, $2.67M gtd/$1.55M SB/$2.29M 2025 cap/4 void years/$3M play-time incentives)

• CB Jaylon Jones (8/1; not tendered as RFA/Cardinals; $1.2M/1 yr, $50K SB/$1.2M 2025 cap)

• LB Jake Martin (11/0; UFA Commanders; $2.585M/1 yr, $1.05M gtd/$300K SB/$2.405M 2025 cap)

• T Matt Pryor (17/15; UFA Eagles; $1.355M/1 yr, $700K gtd/$100K SB/1.275M 2025 cap/4 void years)

• LB Jack Sanborn (17/3; not tendered as RFA/Cowboys; $1.5M/1 yr, $150K SB/$1.5M 2025 cap)

• C Coleman Shelton (17/17; UFA Rams; $12M/2 yrs, $6M gtd/$3M SB/$4.5M 2025 cap)

• LB Darrell Taylor (16/1; UFA Texans; $4.75M/1 yr, $2M SB/$4.97M 2025 cap/$500K incentives)

• DE DeMarcus Walker (17/17; released)

DEPTH CHART (Courtesy of Ourlads)

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