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5 Mistakes the Bears Could Make to Ruin 2025 This Offseason

By Larry Goldman

Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles on the field before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles on the field before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images / David Banks-Imagn Images
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2. Fail to Add Experienced Offensive Linemen

Caleb Williams and the Bears led the league in giving up offensive sacks this season, 68. That number is the third most in NFL history behind David Carr and Randall Cunningham. CJ Stoud was sacked the second most time at 52.

Some of these sacks is on Williams holding on to the ball too long, dancing around the pocket trying to make a play, not finding the open man, or failing to read the developing routes. The quarterback hold time, which is the fourth longest in the league (3.09 seconds), also contributes to holding calls. Johnson will have to cure these issues. Watching Lions QB Jared Goff play is a clinic in throwing the ball away.

Nonetheless, these issues also stem from Williams running for his life on many pass plays. Pro Football Network ranked the Lions offensive line 6th in the league. In fact, the Vikings and Packers were also in the top 10, while the Bears were 17th. Chicago's offensive line is last in sack rate, 10.7%, and 18th in pressure rate at 35.4%.

Bucky Brooks came out with his first mock draft for 2025 and has the Bears picking an offensive lineman (second OL in his draft) at 10 overall. Daniel Jeremiah's first mock draft has the Bears picking an offensive lineman (second OL in his draft).

But wouldn't it be better if the Bears picked an experienced, already proven lineman. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Ravens Ronnie Stanley, Vikings Cam Robinson, Jets Tyron Smith, Chiefs Trey Smith, Colts Will Fries, and (ironically) Bears Teven Jenkins are the top lineman on the market.

General Manager Ryan Poles should not only rely on the draft but hire some of the best (not the best bargain), experienced free agents out there.

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