The Chicago Bears wasted no time signing players to fill holes on their roster. One of the biggest areas of concern and focus was their offensive line, and Ryan Poles wasted no time making huge changes there. But Chicago Bears fans don't need me to recap the moves they already know about.
As aggressive as the Bears have been during free agency, their in-division foes have also made a series of strong signings.
The Bears were the only team in the NFC North to miss the playoffs in 2024, and keeping up with the rest of the division this offseason is crucial. Here's a look at the transactions the rest of the NFC North has made that could hurt the Bears' playoff chances in 2025.
The Detroit Lions Retooled Their Defense
Bears fans and players can rejoice as the reigning NFC North champions released edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin. However, the Lions still made a splash in free agency, adding some key pieces to their defense.
Detroit signed cornerback DJ Reed away from the New York Jets. Since leaving the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, Reed has recorded six picks and 48 passes defended. The move helped soften the blow for the Lions when Carlton Davis III left for the New England Patriots' nice contract.
The Lions also re-signed linebacker Derrick Barnes. After playing in three games for Detroit last year, their front office believed the former Purdue Boilermaker was worth a three-year deal worth $24 million.
A season ago, Detroit allowed the NFL's fifth-fewest rushing yards, beating out the Bears' ranking of eighth.
With Barnes back in the fold and Reed now with the Lions, Detroit's defense has the potential to not only be strong but also to give Bears' quarterback Caleb Williams fits.
Green Bay Packing a Punch With Key Starters
The Packers are banking on their newest guard protecting quarterback Jordan Love and opening holes for Josh Jacobs to run wild on opposing defenses. Former 49ers guard Aaron Banks inked a four-year contract worth more than $75 million.
Green Bay also added a cornerback. They signed Nate Hobbs to a four-year tender worth $48 million with $16 million in guarantees.
The Bears' Week 18 victory against the Green Bay Packers was their first win against them since late in the 2018 NFL season. The additions of Hobbs and Banks increased the chances that it could be another seven years before Chicago beats their biggest rival in the division and league.
Minnesota Vikings Handle Business on Both Sides of the Ball
Sam Darnold is no longer in the division, but Aaron Jones is. The running back returns to the Vikings on a two-year, $20 million deal.
Minnesota tweaked their offensive line to accommodate the return of Jones but the projected start of the JJ McCarthy era. Guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly inked deals to join the Vikings.
The Purple People Eaters' work was not done there. They added defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and cornerback Byron Murphy. Those snags in free agency could stifle the Bears' offensive efforts under Williams' sophomore year in the league.
It's a good thing Chicago has more money to spend than the other three teams in the NFC North, and will also pick three times in the NFL Draft (No. 10, No. 39, No. 41) before any other NFC North squad has even picked twice.