There are a million different ways the Chicago Bears can approach the offseason. But one thing is certain. Investing the majority of the money and draft picks should be towards building the trenches. If that’s accomplished, along with strategically addressing the rest of the weak spots, then the Bears will be in prime position to become contenders next season. That said, here’s a 2025 Bears mock offseason.

Chicago Bears 2025 Mock Offseason: Fixing the Trenches

Cuts:

OG Ryan Bates – $4 million saved
ED Dominique Robinson – $1.1M saved

Cap Space:

The Bears, as of March 1st, have $69.63 million in effective cap space. This means it’s the Bears’ cap space after signing at least 51 players and the projected rookie class to the roster, according to OverTheCap. Factoring in $5.1 million from cutting Ryan Bates and Dominique Robinson, it leaves the Bears with $74.73 for free agency and re-signings.

Re-Signings:

LB Jack Sanborn – 3 yr, $10.5 million
EDGE Darrell Taylor – 2 yr, $7.5M
CB Josh Blackwell – 1 yr, $1.2M
OG Matt Pryor – 1 yr, $3M
LS Scott Daly – 1 yr, $1M
WR DeAndre Carter – 1 yr, $1.3M
WR Collin Johnson – 1 yr, $1.1M
DT Chris Williams – 1 yr, $1.2M
OG Bill Murray – 1 yr, $1.1M
CB Jaylon Jones – 1 yr, $1.2M

Most of the Bears’ re-signings are for depth. It’s best to let Teven Jenkins and Keenan Allen leave and bring back players who made meaningful contributions last season like Jack Sanborn, Darrell Taylor, and Matt Pryor to name a few.

Remaining Cap Space: $56.38 Million

Free Agency:

C Drew Dalman – 3 yr, $42 million
OG Mekhi Becton – 3 yr, $45M
EDGE Khalil Mack – 2 yr, $24M
S Julian Blackmon – 2 yr, $8.5M
OT Dan Skipper – 1 yr, $2M
TE Mo Alie-Cox – 1 yr, $1.5M
EDGE Joshua Uche – 2 yr, $6.5M

Remaining Cap Space: $4.38 Million

Free Agency Outlook

Everyone knows how important free agency is for the Bears this offseason, especially when it comes to strengthening the trenches. Drew Dalman should be the main priority for the Bears due to a lack of talent in the draft and limited free-agent options at center. Coleman Shelton isn’t a long-term option, and it’s best the Bears upgrade at that position.

The biggest storyline in free agency will be who the Bears sign at guard. With Trey Smith staying in Kansas City, Mekhi Becton would be a solid fall-back option.

With the Bears’ decision to cut DeMarcus Walker, it’s clear they have to invest at edge rusher this offseason. Who better than Khalil Mack to return, mentor Austin Booker, and help Montez Sweat regain his Pro Bowl form? He is on the older side but if the price is right, bringing him back would be a smart move. He’ll address a position of need, is still a very productive pass rusher, and could retire as a Chicago Bear.

At safety, Kevin Byard has been a solid addition but is on the older side at 31. Plus with Jaquan Brisker’s history of concussions, it’ll be wise for the Bears to bring in a young safety. Julian Blackmon has been a stud in the secondary for the Colts, and bringing him in for depth and possibly as a starter would be a smart move for the Bears.

Additionally, Dan Skipper, a familiar face for Ben Johnson, would provide solid depth at tackle. Mo Alie-Cox could be an affordable backup tight end, and a young pass rusher like Joshua Uche on a team-friendly deal would be a valuable addition to Chicago.

2025 NFL Draft

Round 1, Pick 10: OL Will Campbell, LSU
Round 2, Pick 39: RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Round 2, Pick 41: DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
Round 3, Pick 72: WR Jalen Royals, Utah State
Round 5, Pick 147: TE Luke Lachey, Iowa
Round 6, Pick 194: EDGE Sean Martin, West Virginia
Round 7, Pick 233: LB Stephen Dix Jr., Arkansas
Round 7, Pick 240: S Ladarius Tennison, UCF

53-Man Roster:

QB (2): Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent
RB (3): D’Andre Swift, Kaleb Johnson (R), Roschon Johnson
WR (6): D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Jalen Royals (R), Tyler Scott, DeAndre Carter, Collin Johnson
TE (3): Cole Kmet, Luke Lachey (R), Mo Alie-Cox
OT (4): Darnell Wright, Braxton Jones, Dan Skipper, Kiran Amegadije
OG (4): Mekhi Becton, Will Campbell (R), Matt Pryor, Bill Murray
C (1): Drew Dalman
ED (6): Montez Sweat, Khalil Mack, Joshua Uche, Darrell Taylor, Austin Booker, Sean Martin (R)
DL (5): Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter Sr., Deone Walker (R), Chris Williams, Zacch Pickens
LB (5): T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, Stephen Dix Jr. (R)
CB (6): Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Tyrique Stevenson, Terell Smith, Joshua Blackwell, Jaylon Jones
S (5): Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Julian Blackmon, Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks
ST (3): Scott Daly, Cairo Santos, Tory Taylor