Bears ranked among most improved teams this 2025 offseason

[ASFN Admin]

The Chicago Bears have been impressive over the past few offseasons, but that success hasn't translated to on-field results.

It's been a busy and impactful offseason for the Bears, where they've found a new head coach in Ben Johnson and overhauled the trenches with some big moves in free agency, including the additions of offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman, as well as defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo.

A panel of NFL.com writers shared their thoughts on the NFL team that had the best 2025 offseason, and it's no surprise that the back-to-back "offseason champion" Bears look to have pulled off a three-peat. Two writers outright declared Chicago as the most improved, while the Bears were mentioned as improving by several others.

This one isn’t close. Chicago landed the most coveted coach in the hiring cycle, former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. General manager Ryan Poles also rebuilt the interior of an offensive line that allowed an NFL-high 68 sacks last season (signing center Drew Dalman and trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson), and he shored up a defensive line that couldn’t pressure quarterbacks consistently (with the additions of edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett). Yes, the Bears had a ton of salary-cap space heading into the offseason. They’ve also spent their money wisely and look like a legit postseason contender today. --Jeffrey Chadiha

Specifically, Caleb Williams enjoyed the best offseason thus far. The Bears poached the top play-caller, Ben Johnson, from a division rival, immediately bringing life to a listless offense. Chicago then solved for its biggest weakness -- interior O-line -- by trading for two proven guards and making a splash signing at center, who will fit perfectly into Johnson's system. Unless Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman physically crumble, they'll be a massive upgrade in front of the QB and the ground attack. There are no more excuses for Williams heading into Year 2. Bonus: The Bears' offseason moves, bolstering the trenches, open up their options with the No. 10 overall pick. Now they can take an OT, an RB or another edge, or continue to beef up the interior on both sides, or snag a DB. There is no wrong answer. -- Kevin Patra

Chicago's roster has some key players already in place, including quarterback Caleb Williams, receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, tight end Cole Kmet, cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon and defensive end Montez Sweat. But it's general manager Ryan Poles' commitment to solidifying the trenches, including replacing the entire interior offensive line, that has left analysts impressed.

It's important to pump the brakes when it comes to an any grand proclamations about the Bears in 2025. After all, we've seen this film before, and it ended with missing the playoffs and a Top 10 draft pick. But there's something about this team -- with Johnson leading the charge -- that feels different.

To be continued.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears ranked among most improved teams this 2025 offseason

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