Bears dubbed team primed for big turnaround in 2025

[ASFN Admin]

The Chicago Bears have been busy building their roster during free agency, where they've added some big pieces in the trenches.

With Caleb Williams being saved a league-high 68 times, the offensive line was the central focus. The Bears made two big trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signed center Drew Dalman, overhauling the entire interior. Chicago also signed defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo to shore up the defensive line.

NFL.com's Judy Battista singled out five teams she believes are primed for a big turnaround in 2025 after their free agency moves, and the Bears landed at No. 1 on the list. Other teams included are the New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns.

Full disclosure: The Bears were also on last year’s list, almost entirely on the strength of expectations for No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. But the reset for 2025 has been dramatic, headlined by the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach and turbocharged during free agency, with the overhaul of the interior of Chicago's offensive line (Williams was sacked 68 times last season). The Bears also signed defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and rising edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo to play opposite Montez Sweat. The NFC North is still a beast of a division, but shoring up the trenches, particularly the offensive line, should help Chicago get much more out of Williams and the offense.

Interestingly enough, Chicago was also on the same list year, which didn't pan out. But there's something that feels different about this offseason with the arrival of new head coach Ben Johnson, quarterback Caleb Williams in his second season and prioritizing the trenches.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears dubbed team primed for big turnaround in 2025

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