The Ben Johnson era started with a bang. The Chicago Bears went from the bottom of the NFC North to being the No. 2 seed in the conference, so most of the fans shouldn't have plenty of things to complain about — especially if the Lombardi Trophy ends up in the Windy City come February.
However, even the best things can be better, and the Bears aren't the exception. A handful of players have left plenty to be desired with their performances, leading to fans wondering if they'll be kicked out of Chicago this offseason. With that in mind, we're going to take a look at three Bears players who, despite their struggles in 2025, should still get a little grace and another chance next season.
3 Bears Who Deserve Another Chance Next Season
1. Grady Jarrett, DT
Grady Jarrett is making an average of $14.25 million per year. He responded by posting a Pro Football Focus grade of 56.2, which ranks 78th among 134 eligible players. While PFF grades don't tell the whole story, that ranking is disappointing. Additionally, his raw numbers (21 pressures, 39 tackles, one tackle for loss, and 1.5 sacks) are also far from impressive.
That being said, we're talking about a two-time Pro-Bowler here. He was known for his ability to put pressure at the line of scrimmage and keep the quarterback on his toes, so he might just need another year to get used to the scheme.
More than that, Jarrett has been pretty banged up this season. He's missed three games, and he has looked physically limited when he's been out there. Perhaps his best years are in the rearview mirror, but the Bears have big needs in the pass rush, and he might help solve some of them.
2. Olamide Zaccheaus, WR
There were question marks surrounding the Bears' pass-catching situation to begin the 2025 season. Those concerns have since been squashed as rookie tight end Colston Loveland and wideout Luther Burden III have broken out. That being said, veteran receiver Olamide Zaccheaus has been a solid rotation piece for this team.
While he shouldn't be a starter by any means, given that they already have DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, Zaccheaus should stay with the team, provided the price makes sense. He's logged 39 catches for 313 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games, occasionally stepping up when the Bears have needed him.
Zaccheaus has to be more efficient with his opportunities, as he's caught just 60.0% of his receptions. Still, this team isn't that deep at wide receiver, and they're just an injury away from being in serious trouble.
3. Jaylon Johnson, CB
Jaylon Johnson has probably been the most disappointing player in Chicago this season. He's someone who's led the league in passes defensed, interceptions, and pick-sixes, yet he's barely been able to stay on the field this season, playing only seven games due to injury. He's now only had one healthy campaign in six years, missing an average of 4.2 games per season.
Even when he's been out there, Johnson has struggled to keep up with his opposition, looking particularly slow in man coverage. Then again, he's just 26 years old, and it might be a matter of getting his body right in the offseason.
Not so long ago, Johnson was a shutdown corner and a ball-hawk. It's hard to believe he's not that guy anymore after just one bad season. He's earned the benefit of the doubt, and the team needs to stick with him through thick and thin.