According to an insider, the Chicago Bears will prioritize significant offensive line upgrades in the NFL draft and free agency.

As the Chicago Bears continue to rebuild under the leadership of General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus, the need for significant upgrades on the offensive line has become one of the team’s top priorities heading into the NFL Draft and free agency. According to sources close to the organization, the Bears are focused on addressing one of their most glaring weaknesses — the offensive line — in a bid to bolster their offense and create a more balanced, efficient unit for the 2025 season and beyond.

In 2024, the Bears showed flashes of potential with quarterback Justin Fields leading the offense. Fields has tremendous upside and has demonstrated that he can be a franchise-caliber quarterback. However, his development and ability to reach his full potential have been hindered by the struggles of Chicago’s offensive line. Despite his individual talent, Fields was often forced to play under duress due to constant pressure from opposing defenses, limiting his ability to progress as a pocket passer and affecting the overall performance of the offense.

In response to these challenges, the Bears’ front office has recognized that improving the offensive line is not just a luxury — it’s a necessity. The team needs to provide Fields with better protection, create more running lanes for David Montgomery and other backs, and help cultivate a more balanced and effective offense. To address these needs, Chicago will likely prioritize both free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft to secure impactful offensive line talent.

In this article, we’ll explore the current state of the Bears’ offensive line, the players they will target in the draft and free agency, and how these moves could shape the future of the franchise.

The Current State of the Chicago Bears’ Offensive Line

As it stands, the Bears’ offensive line is a work in progress. Over the past few seasons, Chicago has invested heavily in its offensive line but has yet to find the right combination of players that can consistently protect the quarterback and open holes for the running game. Several players have been inconsistent in their play, leading to struggles in both pass protection and the ground game.

Here’s a closer look at the current offensive line situation for the Bears:

1. Teven Jenkins (OG): Jenkins has shown flashes of high potential, but injuries and inconsistencies have prevented him from reaching his full potential. When healthy, Jenkins has the ability to be a dominant force on the interior of the line, but he has struggled with consistency. He will likely be an important part of the offensive line moving forward, but the Bears need to find a way to keep him healthy and ensure he plays up to his potential.
2. Cody Whitehair (C): Whitehair is a seasoned veteran who has had a solid career with the Bears. However, his age and declining performance have raised questions about his future with the team. The Bears could look to either upgrade at center or potentially bring in competition to challenge Whitehair in the 2025 season.
3. Braxton Jones (T): Jones has shown promise at left tackle but still has a lot of development ahead of him. As a young player, Jones will need to continue to improve in terms of both strength and technique. The Bears will be looking for a potential long-term solution at tackle, and while Jones could develop into that, they may seek additional talent to bolster this position.
4. Larry Borom (T): Borom is another young player who has shown promise but has not yet solidified himself as a reliable starter. Like Jones, he will be given more time to develop, but the Bears cannot afford to wait too long to find more stability at tackle.
5. Other Depth Players: The Bears have a few other depth players on the offensive line who can fill in when needed, but none of these players have proven themselves to be reliable starters at this point in their careers.

Why the Bears Must Prioritize Offensive Line Upgrades

There are several key reasons why the Bears must prioritize significant upgrades along the offensive line. These reasons go beyond just protecting Justin Fields — they speak to the broader goal of building a competitive team that can consistently challenge for the playoffs and, eventually, the Super Bowl.

1. Protection for Justin Fields: As mentioned, Justin Fields is the face of the franchise, and his development is critical to the Bears’ success. Fields has the potential to be a top-tier quarterback, but his growth has been hampered by an inability to trust his offensive line. Fields’ mobility has allowed him to make plays with his legs, but he’s often forced to run for his life because of breakdowns in the pocket. To unlock Fields’ potential as a passer, the Bears need to give him more time to read defenses and make decisions. This means securing better protection for him up front.
2. Running Game Efficiency: The Bears have a solid backfield, with David Montgomery leading the charge. However, Chicago has not been able to consistently move the ball on the ground due to a lack of holes created by the offensive line. The running game is essential for setting up the play-action pass and providing balance to the offense. Without a stable, effective offensive line, the Bears cannot rely on their running backs to carry the load and will continue to struggle offensively.
3. Improved Offensive Line Play Across the NFL: Looking around the league, it’s clear that teams with elite offensive lines consistently perform at a high level. Programs like the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Indianapolis Colts have demonstrated that having a strong offensive line is essential for success. The Bears are in an incredibly competitive NFC North division, and to compete against teams like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, the Bears will need to have one of the most formidable offensive lines in the league.
4. Developing a Winning Culture: A successful offensive line can have a trickle-down effect on the entire team. Offensive line play is about more than just blocking — it’s about building a culture of physicality, toughness, and consistency. By upgrading the offensive line, the Bears can set the tone for the entire team, building an identity that will be difficult for opponents to match.

How the Bears Will Target Offensive Line Help: NFL Draft and Free Agency

To address the offensive line weaknesses, the Chicago Bears are likely to target both the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency to bring in immediate help. The team has the resources — including salary cap space and draft picks — to make a big impact in both avenues. Let’s break down how they will approach each:

1. NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to be deep in offensive line talent, with several elite prospects available across different positions. The Bears are likely to target one or two offensive linemen in the early rounds, particularly in the first and second rounds.

• Tackle Positions: Left tackle and right tackle are two areas where the Bears could look to upgrade. With Braxton Jones still developing, they may target a left tackle in the draft who can either compete with Jones or eventually take over that position. Alternatively, the Bears could target a right tackle to solidify the right side of their line.
• Interior Line: The center and guard positions are also crucial for the Bears. With Cody Whitehair aging and struggling with consistency, the team could target a younger center who could start immediately. Additionally, they could draft an interior lineman who can play both guard positions, providing flexibility and depth to the line.
• Best Fit for Fields: The Bears will look for offensive line prospects who not only possess elite physical traits but who also fit the scheme that Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus are building. A versatile, athletic lineman who excels in both pass protection and run-blocking will be the ideal fit to protect Fields and improve the offense.

2. Free Agency

In addition to the draft, free agency will provide an opportunity for the Bears to bring in experienced offensive line talent. In a free-agent market that is expected to feature several high-profile linemen, Chicago has the chance to secure a veteran or two who can contribute immediately.

• Veteran Tackle Options: Look for the Bears to target tackles with experience who can provide immediate stability and leadership on the line. A veteran left tackle or right tackle who can step in and immediately improve the Bears’ offensive line could be a key acquisition.
• Interior Line Depth: The free-agent market may also present opportunities for the Bears to address the interior line. A guard or center with proven experience could be a valuable addition, especially if the Bears don’t find their desired player in the draft.
• Short-Term Fixes and Long-Term Solutions: While the draft will likely focus on long-term solutions, free agency will allow the Bears to add short-term fixes who can help stabilize the line immediately. This approach provides flexibility in case some of their younger players are not ready to step in from day one.

What This Means for the Future of the Franchise

Upgrading the offensive line is critical to the future of the Chicago Bears. With a young quarterback like Justin Fields, the future of the franchise is tied directly to the offensive line’s performance. The Bears have a strong foundation in place, but they cannot afford to waste another year of Fields’ development due to poor protection and inconsistent play from the line.

By addressing these issues in both the draft and free agency, the Bears will give themselves the best chance to succeed. The offensive line is the backbone of any great offense, and by investing in it, the Bears are laying the groundwork for sustained success in the coming seasons.

As the team enters an important phase of rebuilding and roster development, the decisions they make in the next few months will have a significant impact on their trajectory. A strong offensive line will provide the necessary protection for Fields and create the balance needed for the Bears to compete for a playoff spot and, eventually, a Super Bowl championship.

In the end, prioritizing significant offensive line upgrades is a move that will pay dividends for years to come. With the right pieces in place, the Chicago Bears can once again become a powerhouse in the NFC.