If the Chicago Bears' offense will ascend in a similar fashion that the Detroit Lions' offense did under Ben Johnson, it starts with the offensive line.
Johnson's arrival as the Bears head coach has reignited hope for the team's future. For the first time in recent memory, the Bears spared no expense in courting the top coaching candidate available.
Naturally, given the success the Lions had with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, many have been quick to suggest that the Bears will look to bolster their running back room this offseason. While it does seem likely the Bears will, at least, add a running back on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the priority for the offseason will be stabilizing the offensive line.
The development of the offensive line has gone by the wayside during Ryan Poles' first three seasons as the Bears' general manager. Chances are Johnson won't allow that trend to continue for a fourth season.
Nevertheless, the offensive line was mentioned by Adam Jahns as the Bears' biggest need this offseason in the latest for The Athletic.
"The Bears need to improve their pass rush. But quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times during his rookie season. He needs better help up front," Jahns writes.
The Chicago Bears' 2025 offensive line will look very different
Coleman Shelton, Teven Jenkins, and Matt Pryor are among the Bears' starting offensive linemen who are free agents this offseason. Truth be told, it would be a surprise to see any of the three return to the Bears. Given the durability concerns that have surrounded Jenkins' time with the Bears, it's tough to envision a scenario where the team offers him a multi-year contract to return. A case could be made for Pryor to return as a depth piece but that may not be a consideration until after the team has added potentially three legitimate starters.
We know the names the Bears have been connected to but for this space, I wanted to point out that Ryan Bates is likely to remain on the roster despite his contract being one the Bears could cut and create additional salary-cap space. Bates shouldn't be considered a starter for the Bears this offseason but in a world where the team has potentially two rookies starting along the offensive line, the veteran could serve as important depth.