As the Chicago Bears look toward the 2025 NFL season, the team’s most pressing need remains on the offensive line. Despite significant efforts in recent years to improve the protection for quarterback Justin Fields, the offensive line has been inconsistent. General manager Ryan Poles faces another pivotal offseason where a mix of free-agent additions, internal development, and strategic draft selections could reshape the unit’s performance in 2025.
Let’s dive into some key thoughts on the Bears’ offensive line outlook—covering free-agent fits, returning depth, and other pertinent topics as Chicago looks to build an offensive line capable of protecting its franchise quarterback and enabling a more dynamic offense.
### **Current Offensive Line Overview**
Before we dive into options for improvement, let’s quickly assess where the Bears stand as of now. Chicago’s offensive line last year showed flashes of promise but struggled with consistency. They ranked in the bottom half of the league in terms of pass protection efficiency and run blocking, two areas that must improve if the offense is going to take the next step.
**Key Returning Players:**
– **Cody Whitehair (OG/C):** Whitehair has been a steady force for Chicago for several seasons, but at 31 years old, he is entering the back end of his career. His best position is likely center, where he has proven himself capable. However, his versatility at guard has kept him relevant.
– **Teven Jenkins (OG):** Jenkins is perhaps the most intriguing young player on the line. After moving from tackle to guard, Jenkins showed considerable improvement and has emerged as one of the team’s most reliable linemen. His aggressive style and ability to dominate defenders in the run game make him a key building block.
– **Braxton Jones (OT):** A fifth-round pick in 2022, Jones was thrust into the starting left tackle role as a rookie. While he faced growing pains, he showed the potential to be a long-term starter. If he can refine his pass protection and continue developing in the offseason, Jones could be a key cog on the blindside.
– **Larry Borom (OT):** Borom’s play has been somewhat inconsistent, but he has shown the ability to start at both tackle positions. His flexibility is a useful asset, but Chicago may look for more stability on the right side.
### **Free-Agent Fits and Options**
While the Bears have some talent on the roster, the offensive line is still a work in progress. With that in mind, it’s essential for Poles to explore free-agent options to bolster the unit. There are a few areas where immediate help could make a significant impact.
**1. Left Tackle – Could the Bears Target a Veteran?**
While Braxton Jones showed promise last season, the left tackle position is arguably the most critical spot on the offensive line. Chicago could look to free agency to bring in a proven veteran. One name that stands out is **Orlando Brown Jr.**, who became a free agent after his stint with the Cincinnati Bengals. Brown is a physical powerhouse and would be an instant upgrade over Jones, providing more stability on the blind side.
Another potential option is **Mike McGlinchey** of the San Francisco 49ers. While McGlinchey’s pass-blocking grade hasn’t been elite, he is a proven run-blocking force, and his ability to protect Fields in the run game could be crucial. The Bears’ system under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy relies heavily on run blocking, so McGlinchey’s physicality could help open up the playbook.
**2. Right Guard – A Need for Strength and Consistency**
One of the areas where the Bears could improve their offensive line is at right guard. While Jenkins performed well at left guard last season, the right side of the line was inconsistent. One option could be **Isaac Seumalo** from the Philadelphia Eagles. Seumalo has been a consistent force for the Eagles’ offense and is one of the best pass-blocking guards in the NFL. His ability to anchor the line would improve the interior protection and provide more security for Fields in the pocket.
Alternatively, the Bears could look at **Andrew Norwell** (formerly of the Washington Commanders). While Norwell is not quite as dynamic as some of the other options, he has been a reliable, experienced option for several years. He could provide solid, if unspectacular, play in the interior and add leadership to a relatively young line.
**3. Depth and Competition for the Depth Chart**
Even if the Bears land a top-tier free-agent addition, depth will remain a critical factor. Injuries and performance slumps are inevitable over the course of the season, and Chicago will need reliable depth options to keep the unit intact.
**Ben Powers** from the Baltimore Ravens is another potential fit. Powers isn’t as well-known as some of the other top free agents, but he’s a solid option who could provide both depth and competition along the interior. Chicago could also look to sign younger, less expensive free agents to compete for backup spots, ensuring that if any of the starters go down, the level of play doesn’t drop off drastically.
### **Drafting for the Future**
While free agency can address some immediate needs, the Bears would be wise to continue investing in their offensive line through the draft. Chicago is still in a rebuilding phase, and getting younger players with long-term upside should be a priority.
Players like **Peter Skoronski** from Northwestern could be a perfect addition to the Bears’ offensive line. Skoronski is widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in this year’s draft class, with the ability to play both guard and tackle. His versatility and high football IQ make him a natural fit for Chicago’s system.
Similarly, **Darnell Wright** from Tennessee has a lot of potential as a right tackle. His size, strength, and pass-blocking ability are impressive, and he could provide an upgrade to the right tackle spot, potentially allowing Borom to move into a more natural swing role.
### **Final Thoughts on the Bears Offensive Line Outlook**
As we approach the offseason, the Chicago Bears find themselves at a crossroads. The offensive line is the most significant area that requires improvement if the team is to take the next step and maximize the potential of Justin Fields. Chicago has some promising pieces in place, but the line needs a mix of immediate help in free agency, continued development from the younger players, and a long-term investment in the draft.
In free agency, the Bears could look to secure a veteran left tackle or bolster the interior with a powerful guard. Depth should be a priority as well, as injuries have often plagued the Bears’ offensive line in the past. But beyond free agency, this draft class offers some intriguing options, especially for a team in need of a long-term answer at multiple spots on the line.
Poles has a chance to make significant strides this offseason and put together a more formidable offensive line. If they can accomplish this, the Bears will not only protect their franchise quarterback but also give their offense the balance and explosiveness it needs to compete in the NFC North and beyond.
The coming weeks will reveal which direction the Bears take, but one thing is clear: fixing the offensive line is a top priority.
Leave a Reply