Five Bears Who Will Not Play Again in 2025 After the Season Is Officially Over

Five Bears Who Will Not Play Again in 2025 After the Season Is Officially Over

The NFL offseason is always a time of change and transformation, and for the Chicago Bears, 2025 will mark a critical year in their quest to rebuild and return to relevance. Every year, rosters change, and players come and go. Some leave due to retirement, some because of poor performance, and others because the team simply decides it’s time to move on. As the Bears look to position themselves for a stronger future, there will be several players whose time with the team comes to an end after the 2025 season. Here’s a look at five Bears who will most likely not play again in 2025, as the team embarks on a new chapter.

1. Robert Quinn (Edge Rusher)

Robert Quinn has been a significant figure on the Bears’ defensive line since arriving in Chicago, known for his pass-rushing ability and experience. However, at this stage in his career, Quinn’s time with the Bears is likely winding down. Quinn was originally brought in as a veteran pass-rusher who could help stabilize the defense while providing leadership. However, his performance has steadily declined, and he has struggled to make the same impact that he did in his prime years with teams like the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys.

By the end of the 2025 season, Quinn will be 35 years old, and it is unlikely the Bears will continue with him unless he can prove himself in a more limited role. While Quinn has provided leadership and a veteran presence, his production has decreased significantly in recent years, and the Bears’ front office will likely look to younger, more explosive players to fill his spot moving forward.

Moreover, the Bears are likely to prioritize investing in their younger, more promising edge rushers like Travis Gibson and Al-Quadin Muhammad, who have shown flashes of potential. As the Bears look to build a future around their younger players and bolster their pass rush, Quinn’s services will no longer be a priority.

Why Quinn Won’t Play in 2025:

• Age and Declining Production: Quinn is nearing the end of his career, and with his performance dropping, the Bears are likely to move on.
• Youth Movement: The Bears will likely continue to develop their younger edge rushers, who offer more long-term potential.
• Contract Situation: Depending on his contract, it may not be financially feasible to retain him if he’s not producing at a high level.

2. Cody Whitehair (Offensive Guard)

Cody Whitehair has been a staple of the Bears’ offensive line for years, known for his versatility and ability to play both center and guard. He was drafted by the Bears in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft and has served as one of the team’s most consistent offensive linemen. However, Whitehair’s future in Chicago is uncertain, and 2025 may mark the end of his tenure with the team.

While Whitehair has been a solid player, his performance has not been as elite as expected, and his contract situation could become a factor in the Bears’ decision to move on. As the Bears continue to reshape their offensive line, they may seek to invest in younger, more dynamic players who can help solidify the line for the long term. Whitehair’s salary cap hit may also factor into the decision to move on from him, as the Bears are likely to prioritize flexibility and cap space for future acquisitions.

Additionally, Whitehair has missed time due to injury in recent seasons, and the Bears may decide that it’s time to make a change as they look to improve the overall strength of the offensive line. With the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency potentially offering more promising options at the guard position, Whitehair’s departure seems likely.

Why Whitehair Won’t Play in 2025:

• Contract and Salary Cap Issues: Whitehair’s salary cap hit could make it difficult for the Bears to retain him if he is not performing at an elite level.
• Injury Concerns: Whitehair has dealt with injuries in recent years, and the Bears may want to invest in a healthier and more reliable option.
• Youth Movement: The Bears are likely to continue rebuilding their offensive line with younger, more athletic players.

3. Eddie Jackson (Safety)

Eddie Jackson has been one of the Bears’ most prominent players on defense for several seasons. His ball-hawking ability and leadership in the secondary have made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the defense. However, after a disappointing 2024 season, where Jackson struggled to regain his Pro Bowl form, the Bears may decide to move on from the veteran safety after the 2025 season.

Jackson is still capable of making plays, but his performance has dipped significantly since his standout seasons in 2018 and 2019. The Bears have made it clear that they are in the process of rebuilding, and as they shift toward younger talent, the team may opt to release Jackson or trade him to create cap space for future acquisitions. Chicago has already invested in young safeties such as Jaquan Brisker, who is expected to become the leader of the secondary, making Jackson somewhat expendable.

If the Bears are able to find a trade partner, they could part ways with Jackson before the 2025 season concludes. If not, it is likely that his contract will not be renewed after the 2025 campaign, marking the end of his tenure in Chicago.

Why Jackson Won’t Play in 2025:

• Declining Performance: Jackson has been inconsistent in recent years, and his best seasons seem to be behind him.
• Youthful Secondary: With younger players like Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon emerging, the Bears will likely focus on developing the next generation of playmakers.
• Salary Cap Flexibility: Jackson’s contract is a significant cap hit, and the Bears could use that space to acquire younger, more affordable players.

4. Darrynton Evans (Running Back)

Darrynton Evans was brought in to provide depth to the Bears’ running back corps, but after struggling to find consistent playing time behind David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert, it is likely that Evans will not be a part of the team’s plans for 2025. While Evans has shown flashes of potential, he has been unable to carve out a significant role in the Bears’ offense.

As the Bears look to improve their running back position, especially after trading Montgomery in the 2024 offseason, it’s possible that they will target a more dynamic player to be the primary backup to Khalil Herbert. Additionally, with the emergence of Trestan Ebner and the potential addition of another running back in the draft or free agency, Evans could become expendable.

Evans’ lack of production in a limited role for the Bears makes it unlikely that he will return after the 2025 season, especially as the team continues to build for the future.

Why Evans Won’t Play in 2025:

• Lack of Production: Evans has not made a significant impact during his time with the Bears.
• Depth at Running Back: With other running backs in the mix, Evans is unlikely to see enough playing time to warrant a return in 2025.
• Future Planning: The Bears are likely to bring in new talent at the running back position to complement Herbert.

5. Tremaine Edmunds (Linebacker)

Tremaine Edmunds is one of the more exciting players on the Bears’ roster, as he was signed in free agency to bolster the team’s linebacker corps. However, after struggling to live up to expectations in his first season with the Bears, there is a possibility that the team will decide to move on from him after the 2025 season. Edmunds has shown flashes of brilliance but has been inconsistent in coverage and tackling, which has caused frustration among Bears fans.

Chicago may look to invest in younger linebackers through the 2025 NFL Draft or free agency, and given Edmunds’ contract and his inability to meet expectations, the Bears may cut ties with him if he fails to elevate his play in 2025.

Why Edmunds Won’t Play in 2025:

• Underperformance: Edmunds has not lived up to the expectations that came with his contract.
• Cap Space: The Bears could use Edmunds’ contract to free up cap space to sign more productive players.
• Youthful Movement: The Bears may opt to go younger at the linebacker position, especially if Edmunds does not improve significantly.