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The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the start of their offseason program, which begins Monday. New head coach Ben Johnson will meet with his team for the first time at Halas Hall to begin preparation for the 2025 season.
General manager Ryan Poles made some big moves during free agency, especially when it came to overhauling the trenches. That includes the trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as the signings of center Drew Dalman, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. But the work is far from done. There are still some roster holes that need to be filled heading into the 2025 NFL draft.
With the slew of moves made during free agency — from signings to cuts to trades — the roster looks a little different this year. Here’s a look at where the Bears roster stands as they kick off their 2025 offseason program.
There's no surprise when it comes to quarterback where Williams, entering his first full offseason, is entrenched as the starter. But Chicago did shake things up at backup quarterback with the signing of Keenum, who will serve as a mentor for Williams and compete with Bagent for the backup job.
This is a position that is expected to undergo changes during the NFL draft, especially with Ben Johnson now running the show. For now, Swift is penciled in as the lead back with Johnson serving as his backup and short-yardage back. But Chicago is expected to add to their running back room in the draft, which could change everything.
Moore and Odunze are the clear-cut starters at receiver where they'll continue to build their chemistry with Williams. With Keenan Allen likely out -- he's still available in free agency -- depth has become the biggest focus. Chicago signed Zaccheaus in free agency to contend for that WR3 role, and they're probably not done yet with the remainder of free agency and the draft.
There's no disputing that Kmet is the top tight end in this offense, but depth has been the biggest struggle in recent years. The Bears signed Smythe, who was previously coached by Ben Johnson in Miami, to serve as a blocking tight end behind Kmet. But there could still be another move on the way in the draft, as Carlson, Murray and Wilson don't provide much stability.
The entire interior offensive line was overhauled this offseason with the acquisitions of guards Thuney and Jackson, via trade, and Dalman, through free agency. Essentially, the starting offensive line is set, unless the Bears find an upgrade at left tackle in the draft.
The Bears need more out of their pass rush, even with Sweat leading the way. They made a move in free agency to land a rising talent in Odeyingbo, but there's still plenty of work to be done. Booker showed flashes in his rookie season, but he needs to make strides as a rotational player. But Chicago could add another in the draft.
Chicago had a solid duo of Billings and Dexter last season, but things went downhill after Billings was lost for the season due to a torn pec as Dexter's play suffered. Now, the Bears added a dominant defender in Jarrett, who is a force as an interior pass rusher. Expect to see plenty of Jarrett, Dexter and Billings this season.
There aren't really big changes at linebacker with Edwards and Edmunds once again set to lead the charge. But the Bears will have to deal with the loss of Jack Sanborn, who they opted not to tender as a restricted free agent. Now, it's up for former fifth-round pick Sewell to step up, along with returning depth piece and special teams ace Ogbongbemiga.
No changes when it comes to cornerback, which is arguably the strongest position group on the roster. Johnson, coming off his second Pro Bowl nod, will lead a group also featuring Gordon, who's up for a contract extension, and Stevenson, who has plenty to prove after a disastrous sophomore season.
Chicago's starting safety duo is set with Byard and Brisker, both entering the final year of their respective deals. Byard was one of the defense's MVPs last season, while Brisker missed most of the year following a Week 5 concussion. Owens and Hicks will continue to serve as key depth and special teams contributors.
The Bears are returning their starting special teams unit with Santos, Taylor and Daly. Patrick Scales missed last season following back surgery, and Daly stepped up in his place and even earned a one-year contract extension this offseason.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears offseason program: Updated 2025 roster
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General manager Ryan Poles made some big moves during free agency, especially when it came to overhauling the trenches. That includes the trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as the signings of center Drew Dalman, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. But the work is far from done. There are still some roster holes that need to be filled heading into the 2025 NFL draft.
With the slew of moves made during free agency — from signings to cuts to trades — the roster looks a little different this year. Here’s a look at where the Bears roster stands as they kick off their 2025 offseason program.
Quarterback
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- Caleb Williams
- Case Keenum
- Tyson Bagent
- Austin Reed
There's no surprise when it comes to quarterback where Williams, entering his first full offseason, is entrenched as the starter. But Chicago did shake things up at backup quarterback with the signing of Keenum, who will serve as a mentor for Williams and compete with Bagent for the backup job.
Running back
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- D'Andre Swift
- Roschon Johnson
- Travis Homer
- Ian Wheeler
This is a position that is expected to undergo changes during the NFL draft, especially with Ben Johnson now running the show. For now, Swift is penciled in as the lead back with Johnson serving as his backup and short-yardage back. But Chicago is expected to add to their running back room in the draft, which could change everything.
Wide receiver
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- DJ Moore
- Rome Odunze
- Olamide Zaccheaus
- Devin Duvernay
- Miles Boykin
- Tyler Scott
- Maurice Alexander
- Samori Toure
- John Jackson
Moore and Odunze are the clear-cut starters at receiver where they'll continue to build their chemistry with Williams. With Keenan Allen likely out -- he's still available in free agency -- depth has become the biggest focus. Chicago signed Zaccheaus in free agency to contend for that WR3 role, and they're probably not done yet with the remainder of free agency and the draft.
Tight end
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- Cole Kmet
- Durham Smythe
- Jordan Murray
- Joel Wilson
There's no disputing that Kmet is the top tight end in this offense, but depth has been the biggest struggle in recent years. The Bears signed Smythe, who was previously coached by Ben Johnson in Miami, to serve as a blocking tight end behind Kmet. But there could still be another move on the way in the draft, as Carlson, Murray and Wilson don't provide much stability.
Offensive line
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- Joe Thuney
- Jonah Jackson
- Drew Dalman
- Darnell Wright
- Braxton Jones
- Ryan Bates
- Kiran Amegadjie
- Joshua Miles
- Chris Glaser
- Jordan McFadden
- Bill Murray
- Ricky Stromberg
- Theo Benedet
The entire interior offensive line was overhauled this offseason with the acquisitions of guards Thuney and Jackson, via trade, and Dalman, through free agency. Essentially, the starting offensive line is set, unless the Bears find an upgrade at left tackle in the draft.
Edge rusher
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- Montez Sweat
- Dayo Odeyingbo
- Austin Booker
- Dominique Robinson
- Jamree Kromah
The Bears need more out of their pass rush, even with Sweat leading the way. They made a move in free agency to land a rising talent in Odeyingbo, but there's still plenty of work to be done. Booker showed flashes in his rookie season, but he needs to make strides as a rotational player. But Chicago could add another in the draft.
Defensive tackle
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- Grady Jarrett
- Andrew Billings
- Gervon Dexter
- Zacch Pickens
Chicago had a solid duo of Billings and Dexter last season, but things went downhill after Billings was lost for the season due to a torn pec as Dexter's play suffered. Now, the Bears added a dominant defender in Jarrett, who is a force as an interior pass rusher. Expect to see plenty of Jarrett, Dexter and Billings this season.
Linebacker
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- T.J. Edwards
- Tremaine Edmunds
- Noah Sewell
- Amen Ogbongbemiga
- Swayze Bozeman
- Carl Jones Jr.
There aren't really big changes at linebacker with Edwards and Edmunds once again set to lead the charge. But the Bears will have to deal with the loss of Jack Sanborn, who they opted not to tender as a restricted free agent. Now, it's up for former fifth-round pick Sewell to step up, along with returning depth piece and special teams ace Ogbongbemiga.
Cornerback
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- Jaylon Johnson
- Kyler Gordon
- Tyrique Stevenson
- Terell Smith
- Josh Blackwell
- Shaun Wade
- Nick McCloud
No changes when it comes to cornerback, which is arguably the strongest position group on the roster. Johnson, coming off his second Pro Bowl nod, will lead a group also featuring Gordon, who's up for a contract extension, and Stevenson, who has plenty to prove after a disastrous sophomore season.
Safety
- Kevin Byard
- Jaquan Brisker
- Jonathan Owens
- Elijah Hicks
- Tarvarius Moore
- Alex Cook
Chicago's starting safety duo is set with Byard and Brisker, both entering the final year of their respective deals. Byard was one of the defense's MVPs last season, while Brisker missed most of the year following a Week 5 concussion. Owens and Hicks will continue to serve as key depth and special teams contributors.
Specialists
- Cairo Santos
- Tory Taylor
- Scott Daly
The Bears are returning their starting special teams unit with Santos, Taylor and Daly. Patrick Scales missed last season following back surgery, and Daly stepped up in his place and even earned a one-year contract extension this offseason.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears offseason program: Updated 2025 roster
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