The Chicago Bears have used the offseason to make additions to the roster ahead of a highly anticipated 2025 season.
During the NFL draft, the Bears were able to add eight players. Several of these selections, like Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III, will have a role in 2025.
The list doesn't stop there, as DT Shemar Turner is another intriguing prospect. Chicago made him the 62nd overall pick in April, and his presence makes DT Chris Williams expendable.
Chicago brought Williams back on a one-year, $3.263 million contract under a restricted tender. This will be his second season with the Bears. He suited up in all 17 games in 2024 (one start), posting 23 total tackles, seven QB hits, and three sacks. Williams played in 34% of the defensive snaps, but those reps could easily go over to Turner.
Turner is quick off the ball and accelerates when flying through a gap. He's effective on stunts and has flashed a nifty swim move to generate pressure. Over 43 collegiate games at Texas A&M, Turner compiled 115 total tackles, 22.5 TFLs, 10 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
He has all the tools needed to be a solid defender. In addition, the Bears have Grady Jarrett, Andrew Billings, and Gervon Dexter Sr. along the interior. Having Turner added to that mix makes Williams' spot on the roster shaky at best.
After the rookie minicamp, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had some positive things to say about Turner.
Allen stated, "He's athletic. You know, I think that was the first thing that we saw. You see explosion and power with this player. I think he's got the right temperament for what we're looking for."
He then added, "I think the first thing we got to do is we got to play him at defensive tackle and let him learn there. Let him develop there. Both as a three-technique and as a nose."
You can already hear the excitement in Allen's voice when speaking about Turner. He will have some type of role for the Bears in 2025, and that could come at the detriment of Williams.