While the Chicago Bears are no longer in contention for the NFC's top seed, the franchise has won the NFC North and can still finish with one of the conference's top seeds. This sets up what fans hope is a deep January run for a team that has continually found ways to win and pull games from the fire. It is a great testament to the impact of head coach Ben Johnson and the development of quarterback Caleb Williams.
Still, it hasn't been all smooth sailing for the Bears, with some obvious bumps in the road or failed additions. Changes will happen in the offseason, regardless of how the campaign ends, making it clear that these three Bears will be leaving the Windy City in the New Year.
1. Case Keenum, QB
One of the more interesting Bears stories heading into the 2025 season was the fact that Johnson talked veteran quarterback Case Keenum out of retirement. The coach clearly valued the potential leadership and example that the veteran quarterback could set for Williams throughout the season. It is hard to fault this logic based on the breakout season Williams is currently enjoying.
With that said, it is hard to see Keenum sticking around another season based on the current situation.
Tyson Bagent was extended ahead of the season and is clearly going to be the second option moving forward. Williams is establishing himself as one of the league's most electric quarterbacks and has taken the elusive step forward that fans and coaches were hoping to see. Now, there isn't as much value in having Keenum on the roster with the current level of stability.
It seems very probable that Keenum returns to retirement plans, and the Bears opt to bring in a project quarterback or a slightly younger aging arm as the third option behind Williams and Bagent. As valuable as the addition was, there's little reason to bring Keenum back unless he's hoping to become a coach in retirement.
2. Olamide Zaccheaus, WR
Olamide Zaccheaus has had an incredibly up-and-down 2025 season, at times appearing to be a trusted target and others falling out of favor completely. No matter how Zaccheaus finishes out the season, it seems that the two sides are going to part ways with the veteran scheduled to hit free agency.
Breakout seasons from Rome Odunze and Luther Burden have taken away any clear fit for Zaccheaus. Add in the presence of DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, and Colston Loveland, and there are far too many weapons around for Zaccheaus to carve out a consistent role for himself.
Zaccheaus would be wise to pick a new landing spot that offers more upside, and the Bears should use the roster spot for a more consistent veteran. While there is still time for the receiver to go on a playoff run, there is nothing that Zaccheaus can realistically do to change the need for a fresh start for both sides.
With this in mind, it seems that the Bears could look to add depth to the position in the offseason. An easy task when you consider the star power already rostered and the chance to play with one of the league's most talented young quarterbacks.
3. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, DE
Since arriving from the Cleveland Browns in a trade, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has yet to register a sack with the Bears, keeping his 2025 total at zero. It is obviously far from ideal for a once-promising prospect that is slated to hit free agency at the end of the season. The Bears are desperate to improve their pass rush, but that shouldn't be a reason to extend this partnership.
According to Pro Football Focus, the ex-2021 first-rounder only has five pressures across 58 pass-rushing downs in seven appearances with the Bears, including Week 17. Three of those pressures came against the Browns in Week 15, and that's without mentioning how he has more games without a pressure (four) in a Chicago uniform than he does with one (three).
Montez Sweat is enjoying a great season, but has little support behind him. Tryon-Shoyinka offering so little production when the door has never been more open for surprise contributors speaks to a failed tenure, making it clear that a fresh start is needed.
The Bears should have little issue finding potential upgrades based on the overall talent of the roster and a chance to play opposite Sweat. Meanwhile, time will tell if Tryon-Shoyinka can turn his career around elsewhere.