Navigating the Offseason Maze at Halas Hall, Chicago Bears Evaluate Talent, Plan Strategic Moves to Bolster Offensive Line
As the Chicago Bears turn the page to the 2025 NFL offseason, the path ahead looks both promising and full of challenges. With an eye on returning to relevance and strengthening their place in the NFC North, the front office and coaching staff at Halas Hall are facing critical decisions, particularly when it comes to one of the most vital positions on the field: the offensive line. For the Bears, this offseason represents an opportunity to make strategic moves that will help bolster their offensive line and set the stage for long-term success.
The Current State of the Bears’ Offensive Line
Heading into the 2025 season, the Chicago Bears’ offensive line remains one of the most discussed and analyzed units. While the line has shown promise at times, it has also been a source of frustration. Despite having high-caliber players, such as Cody Whitehair and Teven Jenkins, the Bears’ offensive line has often been inconsistent, allowing pressure on the quarterback and opening few lanes for the running game. As the team looks to protect its young quarterback—likely Justin Fields, who is poised to lead the offense into a new era—the Bears cannot afford to overlook the importance of a stronger, more cohesive offensive line.
The goal this offseason is to improve the line’s pass protection, enhance its ability to create running lanes, and, most importantly, build an offensive line that can grow alongside a talented and developing quarterback. This will require both strategic acquisitions and continued development from the current group of linemen.
Evaluating the Current Talent
The Bears are fortunate to have several established and promising players along their offensive line. The current roster includes a mix of veterans and young talent, with a few standout players who can be key to the team’s future success:
Cody Whitehair (Guard)
Cody Whitehair, one of the longest-tenured Bears on the offensive line, has been a steady presence in the interior. The 2025 season marks a critical point in his career, as the Bears will need to decide whether to keep him in his current role or explore upgrading his position. While Whitehair is a reliable player with leadership qualities, there are concerns about his age and effectiveness in pass protection. If the Bears are committed to developing a dominant offensive line, they may look to bolster the position or even look for a younger player to take over.
Teven Jenkins (Guard)
Teven Jenkins has been a highlight for the Bears’ offensive line in recent years. A second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Jenkins has shown tremendous potential, particularly in run blocking. He plays with an edge, showcasing an aggressive mentality and the physicality required for success in the NFL. While his run-blocking ability has been a strength, Jenkins still has areas to refine in pass protection. If Jenkins can take another step forward in his development, he could become one of the most dominant interior linemen in the league, which would be a huge boon for the Bears.
Braxton Jones (Tackle)
The Bears’ starting left tackle, Braxton Jones, has displayed flashes of potential during his early years in the league. As a rookie in 2024, Jones was thrust into a starting role and demonstrated that he could compete at the highest level. However, he also had his struggles, particularly when it came to facing elite pass rushers. While there’s plenty of room for improvement, Jones is still young, and with coaching and experience, he could become a key player for the Bears’ offensive line. This offseason, the team must decide whether they believe in his long-term potential or whether to explore outside options.
Larry Borom (Tackle)
Another young player to keep an eye on is Larry Borom, who has seen rotational action at the tackle position. Borom has proven to be a versatile option, but much like Jones, his consistency has been inconsistent. The Bears will need to assess whether Borom can be relied upon as a starting tackle in 2025 or if the team needs to bring in outside competition. Like Jones, Borom’s future with the team could hinge on how well he develops this offseason.
Darnell Wright (Tackle – New Addition)
The Bears made one of the most exciting moves in the 2025 draft by selecting Darnell Wright, a talented tackle from Tennessee, with their first-round pick. Wright brings a mix of power, athleticism, and physicality to the offensive line and is expected to immediately compete for a starting spot. His strong skill set, especially in both run-blocking and pass protection, could provide a significant upgrade on the right side of the line. If he lives up to expectations, Wright has the potential to solidify the Bears’ offensive line for years to come.
Key Areas for Improvement
While the Bears’ offensive line has individual players with potential, the group as a whole needs work in key areas. The team’s ability to protect Justin Fields—and any future quarterbacks—is one of the most pressing concerns. Throughout the 2024 season, Fields was often under pressure, leading to sacks, hurried throws, and missed opportunities. The Bears’ offensive line must improve its pass protection, particularly in pass-first situations. This will require not only better individual performances but also more cohesive team play and communication across all positions.
Another critical area for improvement is run blocking. The Bears have a talented running back room, including Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, but the line has struggled at times to create clear lanes for these players. A more consistent push in the running game will not only enhance the effectiveness of the Bears’ rushing attack but also take pressure off the passing game, providing balance and versatility to the offense.
The final area of focus is depth. While the Bears have several promising starters, the offensive line is a physically demanding position, and the team will need to ensure that they have capable backups in case of injury or poor performance. Depth is critical, and this offseason will be an opportunity to improve in that regard.
The Offseason Plan: Bolstering the Line
Now that the Bears have a clearer sense of the strengths and weaknesses of their offensive line, the next step is planning for improvement. The offseason will be the time to make strategic decisions that will set the stage for a successful 2025 season.
Free Agency Moves
While the Bears have made big investments in their offensive line through the draft, free agency will still play a significant role in bolstering the unit. There are a number of veteran players available who could provide leadership, stability, and depth. Whether it’s adding a proven left tackle, guard, or a swing tackle who can step in when needed, the Bears will be looking to supplement their line with experienced players who can contribute immediately.
One potential target could be a high-profile guard with experience, someone who could come in and provide a solidified presence on the interior. Another area the team might target is center; if they feel that the current center on the roster is not meeting expectations, they may look to upgrade the position.
Drafting for the Future
The draft will be critical in reshaping the Bears’ offensive line. In addition to Darnell Wright, the team could look to add depth or a long-term starter in the draft’s later rounds. Whether it’s another tackle, guard, or even a center, the Bears must focus on selecting players who fit their system and can compete for starting roles.
Coaching and Development
The Bears have a solid coaching staff, but one of the biggest factors in this offseason will be the development of their young players. Braxton Jones and Larry Borom both have the potential to be key contributors, but their success will depend heavily on how well they are coached and how they improve over the next several months. The Bears’ offensive line coach will play an essential role in developing these young players and helping them reach their full potential.
In addition, Tremaine Edmunds, a veteran linebacker with experience in defensive front schemes, will be crucial in helping the offensive line develop a stronger sense of timing and blocking coordination, especially when facing defensive line stunts or rush packages.
