It seems like every offseason, we are saying this, but the Chicago Bears are once again entering one of the more important offseason in the history of the organization.
Yes, it does sound like a broken record given that one offseason was about finding the answer on if Justin Fields was the quarterback of the future and the next offseason was ensuring the successful arrival of Caleb Williams but after failing in each of those years, the Bears have paired Williams with the presumptive right head coach in Ben Johnson.
With Johnson's arrival, there are questions that the Bears must answer this offseason.
3 2025 offseason questions the Chicago Bears must answer
1. Is Braxton Jones the long-term answer at left tackle?
We are well aware of the caveat when it comes to Braxton Jones. For a fifth-round pick, Jones has proved to be a capable starting left tackle in the NFL. In an offseason where the Bears are likely adding two new starting guards and a new starting center on the offensive line, it's fair to suggest that the team will leave Jones in place as their starting left tackle. Jones is entering the final year of his rookie deal but considering questions still remain on whether he is the team's long-term left tackle or not, that likely is the answer. If LSU's Will Campbell is on the board when the Bears are selecting in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, it would be hard for the team to pass up on having a clear answer for the position.
2. How healthy is Jaquan Brisker?
Another player entering the final year of his rookie deal is safety Jaquan Brisker. When healthy, Brisker has flashed the potential of being an elite-level safety. Where the concern lies for Brisker is that he has dealt with a concussion in each of his first three seasons with the Bears. The concussion that Brisker suffered last season ended his season after Week 5. The Bears expect Brisker to be ready for the start of the 2025 season, but his availability remains a key question for the team's defense.
3. Is Tyrique Stevenson's development ruined?
One Chicago Bears player who took a massive step backward in his development last season was Tyrique Stevenson. Of course, Stevenson's involvement in the Bears' Week 8 loss to the Washington Commanders has been well-documented, but mental lapses like that defined his 2024 season. With a revamped defensive coaching staff, there is a chance that Stevenson will bounce back for the Bears in 2025. Otherwise, the team's secondary may not be as strong as was once believed.