This offseason was filled with excitement about the Chicago Bears' 2025 season, but it did not go exactly as fans expected.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles made some moves, including trading DJ Moore, signing Coby Bryant and Devin Bush, and drafting Dillon Thieneman. While those moves were good for the team, they did not generate the kind of buzz needed to get people calling for a Super Bowl. Bleacher Report's latest power rankings before training camp had the Bears ranked 10th, but writer Brent Sobleski is skeptical due to the lack of big moves by Poles.
"The Bears will lean more on expected natural improvement than anything else this fall. Whether the franchise's choice to do so is a smart approach remains to be seen. Specifically, expectations for quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receiver Luther Burden III and tight end Colston Loveland are expected to be much higher in 2026 after an overtime loss that prevented the Bears from reaching the NFC Championship Game.
However, Chicago didn't make significant improvements to the roster. DJ Moore, Tremaine Edmunds, Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are gone. Left tackle wasn't upgraded, and the front office somehow didn't add to the team's pass rush, which was arguably the squad's biggest need heading into the offseason. The Bears better hope their young players show marked improvement. Otherwise, Chicago will be a prime regression candidate."
Ryan Poles' lack of urgency in the offseason might cost the Bears in 2026
The biggest thing is that Poles did not get an edge rusher in free agency, in a trade, or in the draft. He only re-signed Daniel Hardy, but for a defense that recorded just 33 sacks in 17 regular season games, the Bears needed more help for Montez Sweat.
Chicago is leaning heavily on the young talent to step up and play well in 2026. Burden is replacing Moore, Thieneman and Bryant are replacing Byard and Brisker, Braxton Jones is replacing the injured Ozzy Trapilo, Garrett Bradbury or rookie Logan Jones is replacing the now-retired Drew Dalman, and Bush is replacing Edmunds.
The only move that felt like a real upgrade was Bush taking over for Edmunds. At linebacker, Bush and T.J. Edwards will make a good team, with good depth behind them, with D'Marco Jackson returning.
Otherwise, the youth movement had better succeed for this team. Williams should take a massive step toward being elite this season, and as long as Rome Odunze, Burden, and Loveland play well, the passing game is in good shape.
At least they don't have to worry about the running game too much, as they are in good shape. Their offensive line might have two different starters, but it is still one of the best units in the NFL, and running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai should make this team a top-five rushing attack again.
Read more: New warning should prepare Bears fans for rookie to start sooner than expected
Poles has a good enough roster put together that the Bears will be competitive again, but fans want this team in the Super Bowl, and they might not be there yet. That could cause this franchise to undergo major changes in the offseason if the young players don't continue to improve.
Add us as a preferred source on Google