According to an NFL insider, the Chicago Bears will let go of an important starter in 2025 free agency.

According to an NFL Insider, the Chicago Bears Will Let Go of an Important Starter in 2025 Free Agency: A Deep Dive into the Possible Move

As the Chicago Bears continue their rebuild under new head coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles, significant roster decisions loom ahead, especially with the 2025 free agency period rapidly approaching. One of the most intriguing reports coming out of NFL insider circles suggests that the Bears are poised to part ways with an important starter in the 2025 offseason. This move has sent shockwaves through the fanbase and raised questions about the team’s long-term strategy.

Which player might the Bears let go, and why is it a move that makes sense in the context of the team’s future? This article will explore the potential scenarios surrounding this decision, why it’s a calculated step forward for the Bears, and what the broader implications might be for the team’s trajectory.

Identifying the Starter at Risk

The first key question is which player the Bears are likely to part ways with in 2025. When analyzing the roster, there are several prominent starters who could be seen as potential candidates for release or trade based on cap considerations, contract situations, or a strategic shift in team-building. While exact names have not been confirmed, three key areas stand out as positions where the Bears might make tough decisions.

1. Quarterback Justin Fields

As the Chicago Bears’ starting quarterback since 2021, Justin Fields is one of the most intriguing and polarizing players in the franchise’s history. With Fields entering the critical period of his career, some reports suggest the Bears may be open to moving on from the young quarterback, especially in light of the team’s commitment to drafting Caleb Williams in 2025.

While this move may initially seem unlikely given Fields’ potential and ability to make plays with his legs and arm, the situation is complicated. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistencies in his development as a passer and struggles with the offensive line have caused frustration among Bears fans and the front office. Adding Caleb Williams, considered the top quarterback prospect of his generation, would represent a potential shift in direction.

Fields’ departure would not come lightly, as trading him would likely generate a hefty return, especially for a quarterback with his physical tools. This potential move reflects the Bears’ dedication to building around the best quarterback available, and it would also be in alignment with their strategic decision-making regarding their offensive future under Ben Johnson.

2. Defensive Star Roquan Smith

Another significant name that could be let go in the 2025 offseason is linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith has been a key defensive presence for the Bears for years, consistently leading the defense in tackles and serving as a vocal leader on the field. However, his contract situation, coupled with the emergence of younger players and the Bears’ evolving defensive scheme under Matt Eberflus, could make his release or trade a reality.

Roquan Smith’s current contract (signed in 2022) could become a burden to the team’s cap if he continues to command high annual salaries. With the Bears looking to strengthen other areas of the roster and build around their younger core, the team may look to move on from Smith to create financial flexibility and free up resources for other defensive upgrades. While Smith is undoubtedly a talented player, his position might be less vital in the modern NFL, where pass coverage and defensive line play have become paramount.

3. Offensive Line Staple Cody Whitehair

Veteran offensive lineman Cody Whitehair is another player who could potentially be let go by the Bears in 2025 free agency. Whitehair has been a mainstay on the Bears’ offensive line since being drafted in 2016, but with a new coaching staff in place and the need for cap flexibility, it’s possible the team could opt to move on from him.

While Whitehair has been a solid and reliable player throughout his career, his recent struggles with injuries and the overall struggles of the offensive line may push the Bears to look elsewhere. With the team potentially focusing on younger and more cost-effective options on the offensive line, Whitehair’s time in Chicago could be nearing its end.

Additionally, the Bears’ strategy of building a younger, more mobile offensive line, especially with a quarterback like Caleb Williams who thrives behind quick, agile blockers, could lead to Whitehair’s exit. By moving on from Whitehair, the Bears would save valuable cap space to invest in building a more dynamic, mobile offensive line to protect their future franchise quarterback.

Why Letting Go of a Key Starter Makes Sense for the Bears

Parting ways with an important starter might seem like a drastic decision, but it’s often a necessary step in the process of rebuilding a franchise. Let’s explore the key reasons why the Bears would be willing to make such a move and how it aligns with their long-term goals.

1. Cap Flexibility and Financial Strategy

NFL teams must constantly manage their salary cap, and sometimes letting go of a starter is a financial decision that allows for more flexibility in the long term. The Bears have a significant opportunity to reshape their roster in 2025, and freeing up cap space could enable them to target crucial areas of need, such as offensive line depth, receiving talent, and defensive upgrades.

Players like Justin Fields, Roquan Smith, and Cody Whitehair command a significant portion of the cap, and moving on from any of these individuals would allow the Bears to invest in positions that provide more value for their future. By parting ways with one or more of these players, the Bears would have the financial flexibility to build around Caleb Williams, strengthen the offensive line, or target defensive playmakers who can make an immediate impact.

2. Prioritizing Long-Term Success Over Short-Term Results

The decision to release or trade an important starter is often a sign that a team is prioritizing long-term success over short-term results. The Bears are in the middle of a rebuild, and their window for championship contention won’t open until they have the right core pieces in place. Parting ways with a veteran player could be seen as an investment in that future, signaling that the Bears are willing to make tough choices to accelerate the team’s development.

For example, moving on from Fields could be seen as the team recognizing that they need to go all-in on a generational talent like Caleb Williams, whose potential to lead the franchise could outweigh the value of keeping a player like Fields around. Similarly, the decision to release or trade Roquan Smith might stem from the understanding that the team is looking to reshape its defense and is willing to let go of a star player in favor of a long-term defensive strategy.

3. Roster Evolution and System Fit

As the Bears’ offensive and defensive systems evolve under Ben Johnson and Matt Eberflus, certain players may no longer fit within the team’s overall vision. The Bears are committed to building an offense that is dynamic, high-powered, and adaptable to their new quarterback, Caleb Williams. This means that players who are more suited to a different style of play, or who no longer fit within the system, may not have a place moving forward.

For instance, Roquan Smith’s role as an inside linebacker may be viewed differently in Eberflus’ defense, which emphasizes speed, coverage, and flexibility. Similarly, the Bears may see greater value in investing in players who fit Johnson’s offensive scheme rather than relying on aging veterans. A player like Cody Whitehair, while a solid contributor, may not be viewed as essential if the Bears are focusing on a quicker, more agile offensive line to protect their new quarterback.

4. Changing Leadership and Culture

A shift in leadership and culture can often lead to changes in the roster. The Bears are clearly in the midst of a reimagining of their organizational identity under Ben Johnson, and part of that process may involve moving on from established players who were part of the previous regime. Even though a player may have been an important starter for several years, the new leadership may feel that the team needs a fresh direction to truly succeed.

Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme and Matt Eberflus’ defensive philosophy may require a different set of players, and as a result, the team might be forced to part ways with some of its veterans. This is a natural part of the rebuilding process, where players who were once considered cornerstones might no longer fit within the new vision for the team.

Implications for the Bears’ Future

While the prospect of letting go of an important starter may be a tough pill to swallow for Bears fans, it’s essential to view this move through the lens of the team’s future. The Bears are clearly making strides toward creating a competitive and sustainable franchise. With Caleb Williams set to lead the team into a new era, clearing the way for a fresh start with new talent and resources will be critical to the team’s success in the years ahead.

This offseason will be a pivotal moment in shaping the identity of the Bears, and letting go of an important starter could be the catalyst for the team’s transformation. The front office’s willingness to make bold decisions will ultimately determine the trajectory of the franchise and how quickly they can contend for championships once again.

In the coming months, fans can expect to see major changes on the roster, including the potential departure of a key starter. While it may be difficult to accept, this is likely a sign of a larger strategic plan aimed at building a team that can compete for years to come, with a new identity centered around young talent and dynamic playmakers.