5 Best Offseason Moves Bears Could Make to Help Caleb Williams in 2025 Season

5 Best Offseason Moves Bears Could Make to Help Caleb Williams in 2025 Season

The Chicago Bears are entering an important offseason where the focus will likely shift to making moves that will help elevate their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, for the 2025 season. Williams, the likely No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is seen as a generational talent with the potential to turn the Bears’ fortunes around. However, no quarterback, no matter how talented, can succeed without a solid supporting cast.

General Manager Ryan Poles has a critical opportunity to build a team around Williams, using the team’s available cap space, draft capital, and existing assets to surround him with the right pieces. In this article, we will explore the 5 best offseason moves the Bears could make to ensure Caleb Williams thrives in his rookie season.

1. Acquire a Top-Tier Offensive Line

One of the most important aspects of any quarterback’s success is the protection they receive from their offensive line. For Caleb Williams to reach his full potential, the Bears must prioritize improving their offensive line. The Bears’ offensive line has been inconsistent in recent seasons, often struggling with pass protection, which has led to issues for their quarterbacks, including Justin Fields.

Why It’s Important for Williams:
Williams is known for his strong arm, poise, and mobility, but even the best quarterbacks need time to make their reads and deliver passes accurately. The Bears’ offensive line has struggled with giving quarterbacks clean pockets, and this must change if Williams is to succeed. A stable offensive line not only helps protect Williams but also improves the running game, which in turn, opens up more opportunities for the passing attack.

Possible Moves:
Poles can focus on two key areas for improvement: the offensive tackle positions and the interior offensive line. The Bears could make a move for a veteran tackle such as Mike McGlinchey or Taylor Lewan, who could solidify one side of the line. Additionally, free-agent interior linemen like Ben Powers or Connor McGovern could provide stability in the middle of the line.

Alternatively, the Bears could make a splash in the draft by selecting an elite offensive tackle like Paris Johnson Jr. from Ohio State or Peter Skoronski from Northwestern. These players would provide an immediate boost to the offensive line and help Williams feel comfortable from day one.

2. Add a No. 1 Wide Receiver

For any quarterback to be successful, having a reliable set of weapons is critical. While Darnell Mooney has shown flashes of potential as a No. 1 wide receiver, the Bears need to add a more established, dynamic weapon to their wide receiver corps. Caleb Williams is known for his ability to throw to all levels of the field, and the Bears need a wideout who can win consistently on the outside and create separation in critical situations.

Why It’s Important for Williams:
Williams is best utilized when he has dynamic, game-changing players at his disposal. A No. 1 receiver gives Williams a reliable target who can stretch the field and create opportunities for both deep shots and quick, high-percentage throws. A top receiver would not only provide a safety net for Williams but would also allow the offense to open up and become much more dangerous.

Possible Moves:
The Bears can look to the free-agent market for a veteran receiver who can step in and immediately help Williams. Players like DJ Moore (Carolina Panthers), DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals), or Allen Robinson (Los Angeles Rams) could be valuable options for a Bears team in need of a true No. 1 receiver.

If the Bears prefer a younger, high-upside player, they could target a first-round wide receiver in the draft. A player like Jordan Addison from USC or Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State would fit well into the Bears’ offense and be an immediate contributor alongside Mooney.

By acquiring a true No. 1 receiver, the Bears will give Williams the weapons he needs to succeed in the passing game and elevate the overall offensive efficiency.

3. Upgrade the Tight End Position

While the Bears have shown some promise with Cole Kmet as a starting tight end, they still lack a true dynamic weapon at the position. In modern NFL offenses, a top-tier tight end can be a quarterback’s best friend, providing a reliable intermediate target and a threat in the red zone. The Bears need to explore ways to upgrade this position to maximize Caleb Williams’ potential.

Why It’s Important for Williams:
A top tight end can act as a safety blanket for a young quarterback, especially when the pocket breaks down or when trying to extend plays. Tight ends are crucial in creating mismatches against opposing defenses, as they can stretch the field vertically or serve as excellent blockers in the run game. For Williams to thrive, having a playmaking tight end would help diversify the offense and create more explosive plays.

Possible Moves:
The Bears could look into signing a proven free-agent tight end like Dallas Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles) or Mike Gesicki (Miami Dolphins). These players would immediately provide an upgrade at the position, offering Williams a reliable pass-catching target. Another option is to target a tight end in the NFL Draft, such as Michael Mayer from Notre Dame or Brock Bowers from Georgia, both of whom are excellent receivers and blockers.

Upgrading the tight end position is a necessity if the Bears are serious about maximizing their young quarterback’s potential.

4. Strengthen the Defensive Line

While the Chicago Bears’ defense has had some success in recent seasons, the team still lacks a true dominant force along the defensive line who can consistently collapse the pocket and create pressure. With a young quarterback like Caleb Williams under center, having a strong defense that can generate turnovers and get off the field quickly will help balance the team and ease Williams’ transition to the NFL.

Why It’s Important for Williams:
A strong defense that can control the game and give Williams favorable field position will make a world of difference in his development. With a dominant defensive line, the Bears can force opposing offenses into difficult situations, allowing Williams and the offense more opportunities to score points. Moreover, a defense that forces turnovers and creates short-yardage situations puts less pressure on a rookie quarterback to carry the offense every game.

Possible Moves:
The Bears could pursue a free-agent defensive tackle like Javon Hargrave (Philadelphia Eagles) or David Montgomery (Detroit Lions), who would give the defense a stout presence up the middle. Additionally, targeting edge rushers like Bradley Chubb (Miami Dolphins) or Chase Young (Washington Commanders) could give the Bears the pass-rushing edge they need to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

By making these moves, the Bears would have a defense that complements Caleb Williams’ growth and allows him to play with more confidence.

5. Strengthen the Secondary

A quarterback’s development isn’t just about offensive weapons—it’s also about playing with a defense that gives him opportunities to win games. The Bears’ secondary is solid but could be bolstered with another strong cornerback or safety to improve the overall defense. A stronger secondary gives the Bears defense the ability to limit big plays, allowing Williams and the offense to control the game more effectively.

Why It’s Important for Williams:
With a strong secondary, the Bears can force more turnovers and provide the offense with short field situations. A secondary that consistently shuts down the opposing passing attack also keeps the pressure off of the young quarterback, giving him more opportunities to win games without constantly having to play catch-up.

Possible Moves:
The Bears should look into adding a shutdown cornerback or ball-hawking safety like Jalen Ramsey (Los Angeles Rams) or Marcus Peters (Baltimore Ravens). These players would immediately improve the secondary, providing better coverage and helping the defense get off the field quickly. With improved defensive play, Williams will have better chances to succeed on offense.