Bears Ryan Poles might have slipped up and accidentally revealed offseason plans at one crucial position, but it might not be what you think
Rebuilding the offensive line will be priority #1 for the Chicago Bears this offseason in order to help protect franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.We know for certain the Bears will have to replace all three interior positions up-front with Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, and Nate Davis expected to hit free agency.As far as the other two […]
Rebuilding the offensive line will be priority #1 for the Chicago Bears this offseason in order to help protect franchise quarterback Caleb Williams.
We know for certain the Bears will have to replace all three interior positions up-front with Teven Jenkins, Coleman Shelton, and Nate Davis expected to hit free agency.
As far as the other two positions go, the Bears will have both starting tackles returning in 2025 in Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones. However, Jones' season-ending ankle injury might complicate things even more at the position.
While speaking with reporters at the NFL Combine, general manager Ryan Poles noted that the team plans to be "aggressive" to an extent in free agency to fill some of the top holes, especially those issues up-front.
"The clearer the vision, the more aggressive you can be, and that's important," Poles explained. "So you want to be a selective in free agency, because just historically, if you look at it, it can tell you and you can learn from that. But if there's certain players that kind of hit all the check boxes that you need, there's really no reason to hold back and feel like you can be aggressive in those situations."
The next piece of the puzzle comes from filling the lingering holes through the draft, a more uncertain process because you never know how the board will fall.
Regardless, Poles did potentially reveal one of the team's offseason plans when discussing Jones' injury and the timetable for his return.
"I think Braxton did a good job [in 2024]. Obviously, going through injuries, we got to see how he comes on the other side of this," Poles said. "I know everything's been progressing on schedule, and he's doing a good job with that, and he's been very active with rehabbing and getting back on his feet. So I think again, that's another spot where it's gonna be competition, and you build the O-line with the best five guys. So, we'll see how that goes through this offseason, and training camp."
Based on those comments, Poles might have hinted at wanting some kind of competition at the left tackle position. Jones, even despite the injury, will be entering into the final year of his rookie contract and solidifying that position is going to be key for Williams' long-term success.
Now, we'll see exactly what that competition looks like. But, as of now, the Bears only have two other tackles on the roster in Kiran Amegadjie and Larry Borom, and neither offered much reassurance while filling in for Jones during the 2024 season. So, if the team wants better competition, they'll have to find it somewhere else.
Free Agent Options
Looking at the first opportunity for roster additions, the Bears have a few options on the market to explore bringing in to boost the competition at the position. Cam Robinson and Ronnie Stanley offer the most experience at the position but would also be older options to consider.
The best bargain at left tackle would have to be Alaric Jackson when you consider age, talent, and price. Jackson is only 26-years-old right now and is projected to land a contract that would pay him between $10-$16 million per year.
Jackson is coming off the best season of his young career and at the right time. Given his ceiling, this guy could easily outproduce his contract immediately and give Williams a top protector on his blindside for years to come.
Draft Options
If the Bears decide to pivot to the draft to find a quality competition at the position, the team will be sitting in a good spot with the 10th overall pick in the first-round.
This week will be huge for Will Campbell and Kelvin Banks Jr., two of the top offensive linemen who each played left tackle in college. However, arm length concerns could force either player to move to guard at the next level.
Landing either player would be huge for the Bears. Even if Jones beats out Campbell/Banks for the starting job at left tackle, both players could easily slide and start immediately at left guard. And if Jones walks in FA next offseason, either rookie could replace him long-term at LT.
If the Bears wanted to target a more surefire tackle in the first round, Josh Simmons would be the top name, but comes with his own concern considering he'll be dealing with his own rehab process after suffering a torn patellar tendon in October. Josh Conerly, Aireontae Ersery, Caleb Rogers, or Charles Grant are some Day 2 options.
Therefore, the Bears have plenty of options to find some competition at that position, it just depends on how aggressive Poles wants to be to do so.
Latest Mel Kiper mock draft has the Bears selecting a first-round offensive lineman that won’t offer much help to Caleb Williams in 2025
Better ways to go with this pick.
