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

As the Chicago Bears look ahead to the 2025 NFL season, their future appears bright, especially if they can secure a top quarterback in the upcoming draft. With the potential to land a generational talent like Caleb Williams, the Bears’ front office will need to make key moves to ensure that their new quarterback has the tools to succeed. The success of Williams, the potential centerpiece of their offense, will depend heavily on how the team builds around him.

While Williams’ individual talent is unquestioned, he will need a strong supporting cast to maximize his potential. The Bears have the resources to make significant moves this offseason, including salary cap space, draft picks, and trade opportunities. In order to build a team capable of supporting Williams’ development and leading to long-term success, the Bears must prioritize the following five offseason moves:

1. Sign a Veteran Offensive Line to Protect Caleb Williams

One of the most critical moves the Bears can make in the offseason is to improve their offensive line. A top priority should be signing a veteran offensive lineman to anchor the line and ensure Caleb Williams has the protection he needs. Despite the emergence of Justin Fields, the Bears’ offensive line has been a significant liability, allowing too many sacks and pressures on the quarterback.

In 2025, this cannot be a problem if the Bears hope to protect a high-profile rookie like Williams. Offensive line play is essential for any young quarterback’s success, and Williams will need a sturdy pocket to showcase his talents. Signing a veteran offensive tackle or guard with experience in the NFL can be a game-changer for the Bears. A few potential free agents who could fit the bill include:

• Orlando Brown Jr. (Kansas City Chiefs) – A top-tier tackle with Super Bowl-winning experience, Brown has shown he can protect quarterbacks in big games. His size and skill would be a huge addition to the Bears’ offensive line.
• Ben Powers (Baltimore Ravens) – Powers is a guard who has thrived in the Ravens’ run-first offense. If the Bears can bring him in, he would provide immediate stability and experience to their interior offensive line.

Improving the offensive line will also make it easier for Williams to settle in and progress, especially when facing powerful defensive fronts like those in the NFC North. Whether through free agency or trade, the Bears must prioritize solidifying this unit.

2. Acquire Playmaking Receivers for Caleb Williams

No quarterback, especially a young one, can succeed without talented weapons to throw to. The Bears must focus on acquiring playmaking wide receivers to give Caleb Williams the best chance to thrive. While Chicago has some emerging young talent at the receiver position, it’s clear that the offense still lacks a true No. 1 receiver to help take it to the next level.

The Bears have a solid group of developing receivers, but they need an elite talent to complement them and give Williams a reliable target. Here are some ideal options to explore in free agency or trade:

• DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals) – Despite being older, Hopkins remains one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL. His ability to create separation and make spectacular catches in critical situations would be a major asset for the Bears and for Williams’ development.
• Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – A big-bodied, reliable target, Evans has been the focal point of the Buccaneers’ passing attack for years. His size and experience would give Williams a strong, dependable target to grow with.
• Jerry Jeudy (Denver Broncos) – While still young, Jeudy’s ability to run crisp routes and gain separation makes him a perfect addition to the Bears’ offense. His versatility and skill set would fit well alongside Williams, creating a dynamic passing attack.

By adding one or two elite receivers, the Bears could provide Williams with the necessary tools to be successful. Pairing a top-tier wideout with a reliable supporting cast of Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool would give the young quarterback the weapons he needs to succeed.

3. Strengthen the Running Game with a Workhorse Back

While a strong passing game is crucial for a young quarterback, a reliable and consistent running game can take much of the pressure off. One of the best ways to make life easier for Caleb Williams is to improve the Bears’ rushing attack, which has been inconsistent in recent years. A balanced offense that includes a strong running game can help Williams develop at a comfortable pace, providing him with easier play-action opportunities and giving the offense a much-needed safety net.

The Bears need a workhorse running back capable of controlling games and providing big plays. There are several intriguing options for the Bears to pursue in free agency or through a trade:

• Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders) – Jacobs had a breakout season in 2022, and his physical running style and vision make him an ideal candidate for the Bears. Bringing in a proven, high-level ball carrier like Jacobs would elevate the offense and ease Williams’ transition.
• Saquon Barkley (New York Giants) – Although likely to command a hefty contract, Barkley is one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL. His ability to break tackles and contribute in both the running and passing game would be a huge asset for a developing quarterback like Williams.
• Jamaal Williams (Detroit Lions) – Williams is a tough, hard-nosed back with a knack for finding the end zone. He is a consistent, reliable option who could provide the Bears with stability in the run game.

Adding a feature back would help the Bears maintain offensive balance and protect Williams from being forced into high-pressure passing situations too often. A productive running game would also help the Bears control the clock and limit opposing defenses’ ability to key in on Williams in passing situations.

4. Upgrade the Defense with a Game-Changing Edge Rusher

While helping Caleb Williams on offense is the primary focus, the Bears also need to bolster their defense to ensure the team can compete at a high level. A strong defense will allow the offense to thrive by giving Williams shorter fields to work with and preventing opposing offenses from mounting sustained drives.

To make the most of this opportunity, the Bears should focus on improving their pass rush. A game-changing edge rusher could be just what the team needs to turn their defense into a feared unit. Several options are available in free agency or through trade:

• Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers) – Bosa is one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL, and adding him would instantly upgrade the Bears’ defensive line. While he may not be available in free agency, he could be a prime target for a trade.
• T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers) – Watt is another elite edge rusher who could make an immediate impact on the Bears’ defense. His ability to generate pressure and disrupt quarterbacks would complement their defensive scheme.
• Marcus Davenport (New Orleans Saints) – Davenport is a strong, explosive edge rusher who has the potential to develop into a game-changer. A proven pass rusher with his upside could elevate the Bears’ defensive front.

By upgrading the pass rush, the Bears would give their defense a chance to be more effective and help them keep games close, allowing Williams and the offense to control the game. The better the defense, the more chances Williams will get to lead his team to victory.

5. Ensure a Long-Term Coaching Continuity and Offensive Scheme Stability

One of the most underrated aspects of ensuring Caleb Williams’ success is the stability of the coaching staff and offensive scheme. A young quarterback needs consistent leadership and a structured development program to thrive in the NFL. The Bears should ensure that their offensive system and coaching staff remain intact for the long haul. A solid, predictable scheme will help Williams develop faster and make the transition to the NFL much smoother.

If the Bears can hire or retain a coordinator who can grow alongside Williams and adapt to his strengths, it will pay off in the long run. Ideally, the Bears should look for a coach with experience in developing quarterbacks or someone with a track record of success working with young quarterbacks.

While Matt Eberflus has done an excellent job leading the team in a rebuilding effort, ensuring the continuity of their offensive coaching staff will be pivotal in maximizing Caleb Williams’ potential.