While Ryan Poles is likely in line for an extension at some point this offseason, the arrival of Ben Johnson as head coach, along with an overturned coaching staff, will likely lead to more turnover for the Bears' roster this offseason than the team has seen in the previous three years under Poles.
When Poles took over as general manager of the Bears, there is no question he wasted no time in turning the roster. Poles quickly rid the team of the veterans with hefty price tags left over from the Ryan Pace regime. The goal for Poles was to get young as soon as possible.
With Johnson's arrival, that likely won't be the same mindset. The Bears are in the second year of Caleb Williams' rookie contract. This means that the team will likely want to field a roster capable of reaching the playoffs sooner rather than later. In that expected turnover, there will be players currently under contract with the Bears for the 2025 season who do not reach Week 1.
3 Chicago Bears players who must be cut
1. Gerald Everett
It's difficult to envision a scenario where Gerald Everett is with the Bears by the time the start of the new league year arrives in March. Everett was brought in on a two-year deal last offseason given his connection with Shane Waldron. However, with Waldron no longer with the Bears and Cole Kmet rightfully back in his role as the primary pass-catching tight end on the Bears' roster, Everett does not have a fit with the Bears. Especially when you consider the Bears will likely be in the market for a blocking tight end this offseason.
2. DeMarcus Walker
The Bears can cut DeMarcus Walker this offseason to create an additional $5.25MM in cap space. In comparison to a player like Ryan Bates, where the Bears will likely need the veteran for depth along the offensive line, Walker can be but with little fear that the Bears would be struggling for depth along the defensive line as long as the plan is to overhaul the unit in free agency and during the 2025 NFL Draft.
3. D'Andre Swift
There seems to be plenty of smoke surrounding the Bears and a desire to improve the running back position. While it is possible that D'Andre Swift can find success in a Ben Johnson offense, it wouldn't be shocking if the team decided to trade the veteran running back this offseason while Johnson adds his ideal running back through the draft.