It took a while, but Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles' promise to take back the NFC North finally became a reality in 2025.
After being hired in 2022, it took Poles four years to tear down an aging, expensive roster and build it methodically. But it was not without missteps along the way. He had his share of bad draft picks and free-agent signings like any other general manager.
The hiring of Ben Johnson a year ago changed both the fortunes of the Poles and the Bears. His arrival has reshaped the offensive identity. The roster is much younger, faster, and more modern, especially on offense. Now, the Bears enter this offseason with a foundation worth building on.
Ryan Poles should look at the mistakes Ryan Pace made and learn from it
When Ryan Pace was the general manager, his approach was emotional, impulsive, and short‑sighted. The Bears are building a long‑term contender, not a one‑year mirage. If Poles want to add veterans this offseason, whether it is acquiring Maxx Crosby or Jeffrey Simmons via trade, or Trey Hendrickson via free agency, they must fit their timeline, not to make headlines.
Another potential challenge Poles faces is what to do with players drafted under Matt Eberflus, who may not fit the scheme and culture under Ben Johnson. He will face a tough decision on two second-round picks from the 2023 draft, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
Dexter hasn’t offered enough disruption on the defensive line to justify him as a starter. Meanwhile, Stevenson was outplayed by Nahshon Wright and was even benched this past season. Both could be expendable this offseason if Dennis Allen sees both of them as liabilities on his defense.
From the 2022 draft, his very first as the general manager, safety Jaquan Brisker hits free agency this offseason. He hasn’t become the difference‑maker the Bears envisioned, and his coverage inconsistencies have hurt the defense in big moments.
Complicating the matter is that another safety, Kevin Byard, is also a free agent. Byard, who was an All-Pro this past season and a team leader, has to be re-signed, if it means sacrificing Brisker.
Every general manager wants players you drafted to become core guys to build around. You want them to succeed and become emotionally attached. But the NFL is ruthless, and sentimentality is not acceptable. And every general manager faces this test every offseason.
Read more: Ben Johnson didn't sugarcoat his clear stance on how Bears will attack offseason
The Bears have a chance to become one of the NFC’s rising powers. But only if Poles stay true to the principles that got him here — and avoid the traps that destroyed the last regime.