The 2025 NFL league year is now fully underway. The Bears were aggressive, making a flurry of moves before, during and after the first wave of free agency. Let’s take a look at the moves, in ascending order of their importance, in my opinion:

• Signed TE Durham Smythe to a one year deal- Smythe is a blocking tight end that has done little as a receiver in his seven year career, all with the Dolphins. New Bears head coach, Ben Johnson, was Smythe’s position coach in Miami in 2018. Smythe is essentially the replacement for the ageless Marcedes Lewis. The Bears made this move before the start of free agency, so obviously he was a target of Ben Johnson. I’m trusting Johnson on this one. Grade: C
• I’m lumping all of the re-signings into one group. All are basically special teams players, though some also add important depth at other positions. DB Josh Blackwell tops this list. Blackwell is an ace special teamer and helped stabilize the punt returner position. He’s also the backup nickel back. LS Scott Daly replaced an injured Patrick Scales last year and did a fine job. He’s younger, has a better injury history and the fact that he crossed paths with Johnson in Detroit probably factored in to the Bears decision to retain him. LB Amen Ogbongbemiga and S Tarvarius Ward are core special teamers and second stringers at linebacker and safety, respectively. Ogbongbemiga, in fact, could push for more playing time on defense with the departure of Jack Sanborn. TE Stephen Carlson currently sits third on the depth chart at tight end, but most of his contributions will be on special teams, though he could be used as an H-back. Collectively, these re-signings are middling, but the Blackwell extension is especially noteworthy. Grade: C+

• Signed DE Dayo Odeyingbo to a three year deal. The Bears had a significant need for a defensive end opposite Montez Sweat. Odeyingbo was on my peripheral radar, but I thought the Bears might go with Chase Young due to his familiarity with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. The fact that they signed Odeyingbo with Young still on the market tells me that Allen preferred him. I have to trust the coach on this. Odeyingbo hasn’t quite lived up to his potential, but he’s young enough that he still could. Grade: B-
• Acquired OG Jonah Jackson from the Rams for a 2025 sixth round pick. The Bears then extended Jackson through 2027. Jackson had a massively disappointing season in 2024 after signing with the Rams. He was injured and eventually lost his starting job to a rookie. Jackson previously played in Detroit, for Ben Johnson, where he made a Pro Bowl. I’ll trust Johnson, again, and if Jackson regains his Pro Bowl form, this deal is a home run. Grade: B
• Signed WR Olamide Zaccheaus to a one year deal. Zaccheaus figures to be the Bears’ starting slot receiver, replacing Keenan Allen. Zaccheaus is no Keenan Allen, but he does add value at a bargain price, compared to the future Hall of Famer. Zaccheaus had a career year for Washington and throughout his tenure in the NFL has made big catches in key moments. He could also provide value in the return game. Grade: B
• Signed C Drew Dalman to a three year deal. In most years, landing the top center on the market would be the biggest move of the offseason for the Bears, especially given the long list of mediocrity they’ve had at the position since Olin Kreutz left in 2011. Dalman is an excellent run blocker and has improved as a pass blocker. He’s an intelligent offensive lineman that will help second year QB Caleb Williams immensely. Grade: B+

• Signed DT Grady Jarrett to a three year deal. At 32, Jarrett is still a productive player and he has more in the tank. He should be able to maintain a high level of play as the Bears use him in more of a rotation rather than in an every down role. More importantly is what Jarrett brings to the locker room and the defensive huddle. The Bears have had good, even great players on defense but they’ve lacked a true Alpha, a true leader and tone setter since Akiem Hicks left. Jarrett rectifies that. It will be readily apparent after the first week of OTAs who the leader of the defense is. Jarrett will elevate every player on the defense with just his professional and the passion with which he plays the game. Oh, and he hates Jordan Love. Grade: A

• Acquired OG Joe Thuney from the Chiefs for a 2026 fourth round pick. Thuney was a massive get for the Bears. Kansas City didn’t want to lose him, but they’re cap strapped and made a tough decision. At 32, Thuney is still an All Pro caliber guard that has a few more years of high level play. Beyond that, Thuney does for the Bears offensive line what Jarrett does for the defensive line. The Bears haven’t had a true Alpha and leader on the offensive line since Kyle Long. Thuney’s professionalism and work ethic, not to mention his championship pedigree, will inspire the rest of the Bears offensive line. If the Bears ink him to an extension, this would get a perfect grade. Grade: A

Winning the offseason means nothing. The Bears have done this three years running, but this year feels different. It started with the hiring of Ben Johnson and continued with their approach to rebuilding areas of need. For the first time in a long while, the Bears appear to have a clear vision of how they want to proceed to build this time into a championship contender. They aggressively attacked areas of need but not just by throwing money at it. They were smart and selective. They went after high character players and players that Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen hand picked. It’s okay to be excited, Bears fans, this truly feels like a fresh start.

Da Bears Build Up the Trenches

Winning the offseason doesn’t mean a thing, as Bears fans well know, but this offseason feels like a home run. It started with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach and now we’re starting to see the influence he brings. For the first time in years, it feels like the Bears have a clear vision of how they want to build this team into a contender.

The Bears needed to improve their offensive line. Ben Johnson knew it. Ryan Poles knew it. Caleb Williams knew it. The fan base knew it. Hell, the entire world knew it. How they went about it, though, speaks volumes about the change in vision.

The Bears attacked the problem aggressively, but wisely. They didn’t just throw insane money at the top free agents, they got creative.

They traded a sixth round pick to Los Angeles for Jonah Jackson. Jackson had a down year in 2024, but he was a Pro Bowler in Detroit for Ben Johnson. On its own, the trade for Jackson was a meh move, but then they made another trade.

A day after acquiring Jackson, the Bears sent a 2026 fourth round pick to Kansas City for All-Pro guard, Joe Thuney. Thuney is a clear upgrade from any guard the Bears employed in 2024. His addition suddenly made Jackson look like an upgrade as well.

The Bears finished the complete overhaul of their interior offensive line by signing the top center on the open market, former Falcon Drew Dalman. Dalman is a massive upgrade at center, where the Bears have employed a long line of mediocrity for the last decade.

There’s still work to do. Depth pieces to be added, a possible upgrade at left tackle, but the draft is still to come and the Bears hold three picks in the top 45 and four in the top 75. The Bears remade their biggest weakness, however, and they did it economically, which allowed them to address other areas of need.

Once they had the interior offensive line settled, they shifted focus to the defensive side of the trenches. Another well known fact was that the Bears needed another pass rusher to free Montez Sweat from double teams.

Even though the Bears had the cap space and the resources to trade for a high end pass rusher, like Trey Hendrickson, I knew they wouldn’t allocate their resources that way.

I bought into the smoke of the rumors of the Return of the Mack, Khalil Mack, who ultimately did return to the Los Angeles Chargers. I didn’t think they’d be willing to go high enough to land the widely considered top edge rusher on the market, Josh Sweat, who eventually signed with Arizona.

I figured they’d target a younger player, who had shown flashes but hadn’t quite lived up to his potential, yet. I figured it to be Chase Young, because of his connection to new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen.

Instead, the Bears chose former Colt, Dayo Odeyingbo. Odeyingbo was on my peripheral radar, but was still a mild surprise. He meets Dennis Allen’s preferred physical profile for an edge rusher and he’s shown flashes of being a disruptive pass rusher. I still think the Bears will add another edge in the draft.

The Bears weren’t done, though. Hours after the Falcons released Grady Jarrett, the Bears signed him to a three year deal. Jarrett is on the wrong side of thirty, but still a disruptive and at times dominant force on the interior defensive line.

In less than a week, the Bears vastly improved on both sides of the line of scrimmage. They still have needs, a third receiver, a veteran backup quarterback, tight end and offensive line depth and perhaps a safety, but it was an encouraging start to the Ben Johnson era.

Quarterback Carousel Spins and Its Not Finished Yet

The carousel got off to a false start when the Rams gave Matthew Stafford permission to explore a trade. They ultimately reconciled and realized they were better off together. The wheels really started spinning when the Seahawks surprisingly traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.

I love the deal for the Raiders, and for Smith who reunites with head coach, Pete Carroll.

The Seattle Seahawks quickly filled their quarterback void by signing former Viking, Sam Darnold. This move was inevitable once they traded Smith. Darnold was the top quarterback on the open market, but I don’t love the move for Seattle. Darnold is younger and cheaper than Smith, but he’s really just a one year wonder. I think the Seahawks are taking the kind of gamble that costs general managers and head coaches their jobs.

The Steelers apparently wanted Justin Fields back, but in hindsight, I don’t think that was ever going to happen. Being benched for Russell Wilson, after a 4-2 start and then watching the Steelers stick with Wilson as the offense sputtered down the stretch probably sealed Fields’ exit from the Steel City.

Pittsburgh’s loss is the New York Jets gain. I’m a Justin Fields fan and I love this move for him and the Jets. Fields has his flaws, but he deserves to be a starting quarterback in this league, on an offense built around his strengths. The Jets will give that to him, and this time next year I might be writing about the Jets giving him a big time extension.

The Indianapolis Colts brought in former Vikings backup and Giants starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, as competition for third year pro, Anthony Richardson. Color me unimpressed. Look, we know what Daniel Jones is and what he isn’t. If Richardson wins the job, it doesn’t exactly mean he’s ready to be the franchise quarterback the Colts drafted him to be. If Jones wins the job, the Colts will be looking for their next franchise quarterback next offseason.

The Eagles traded Kenny Pickett to the Cleveland Browns, where he’s nominally the starter, for now. Pickett is just a placeholder. Is it until Deshaun Watson returns from his torn Achilles, which likely won’t be until 2026, or until a rookie is ready to take the reins? Watson has been terrible for the Browns, he was quite simply the worst starting quarterback in the NFL last season before his injury. Expecting anything from him moving forward is more foolish than the trade to acquire him and the contract they gave him. Time to cut their losses.

I believe the Browns will take a quarterback in the draft. Perhaps with the second overall pick, but they also have the first pick of the second round, where they could also land one.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants still need a starting quarterback, and the Tennessee Titans probably do, as well. I think the Steelers and Giants are waiting on Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers fall back option is bringing back Russell Wilson, while the Giants will either look to the draft or explore a trade for the Falcons’ Kirk Cousins.

The Titans hold the number one pick and the number 35 pick, they can easily target a quarterback with those picks. I also think they could be a low key contender to trade for Cousins.

The Washington Commanders Are Going For It

Hey, Jerry Jones, this is what “All In” looks like. The Washington Commanders have a dynamic franchise quarterback on a rookie deal, Jayden Daniels, coming off a run to the NFC Championship Game. This is the perfect time to spend a bit wildly and make bold moves to get to the Super Bowl.

They started early, acquiring Deebo Samuel from San Francisco two weeks ago. Samuel isn’t the same caliber player he was in his prime, but he can still be a valuable weapon in this offense.

The Commanders then re-signed some key veterans on both sides of the ball, linebacker Bobby Wagner and tight end Zach Ertz. Both took rather team friendly deals to run it back.

Releasing Jonathan Allen and replacing him with Javon Kinlaw was questionable, but probably freed up enough cap space for the Commanders to make their big move.

Laremy Tunsil may be the best left tackle in the NFL, at the very least he’s in the conversation. His addition vastly improves the Commanders offensive line. He makes their offense better and he makes the team better. An absolutely huge addition to a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Receiver Market is Quiet

Sure, there were a couple noteworthy trades, like the previously mentioned Deebo Samuel trade to Washington and the Pittsburgh Steelers acquisition of DK Metcalf from Seattle.

The Steelers have been searching for an alpha receiver since last offseason, and they landed one in Metcalf. Whoever winds up as the Steelers quarterback should love throwing to Metcalf and George Pickens.

Davante Adams was personally recruited to the Los Angeles Rams by head coach, Sean McVay as a replacement and upgrade for Cooper Kupp.

DeAndre Hopkins signed with the Baltimore Ravens for a minimal deal, as it appears he continues to seek a Super Bowl ring.

Chris Godwin left a considerable amount of money on the table to return to the only NFL home he’s ever known, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Beyond that, there’s been nothing truly noteworthy. Big names, such as Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper and Tyler Lockett are still on the board. Cooper Kupp is poised to join that group as it appears the Rams will release him if a last minute trade doesn’t materialize.

I can see the Seattle Seahawks as a possible landing spot for Diggs or Allen. The Dallas Cowboys could be in play for Diggs, while the Los Angeles Chargers or Arizona Cardinals could make sense for Allen.

A return to the Buffalo Bills would make sense for Cooper, while a reunion with Pete Carroll and Geno Smith with the Las Vegas Raiders seems inevitable for Lockett.

Kupp is not the same player he was in his prime, but he could thrive in a Julian Edelman type role with the New England Patriots.

Have Cap Space Will Spend It

The New England Patriots had the most cap space available in the NFL and they spent like it, mostly on the defensive side, and I don’t think they’re done yet.

The Patriots won the bidding war for the biggest fish in the free agent pond, former Eagle Milton Williams. They also reunited former Titans edge rusher, Harold Landry, with head coach Mike Vrabel while also luring linebacker, Robert Spillane away from the Raiders and cornerback, Carlton Davis, from the Lions.

On the offensive side, they brought in former Jets tackle, Morgan Moses and former Bills receiver and touchdown machine, Mack Hollins.

Minnesota Aims to Take the North

Once the Minnesota Vikings lost Sam Darnold to free agency, I guess they decided to put the best team money could buy on the field for what is essentially a rookie quarterback in second year man, JJ McCarthy.

Re-signing Aaron Jones was a no brainer. He’s the modern day Frank Gore. Ageless. The do it all back might actually be getting better, in fact.

Re-signing cornerback Byron Murphy was also an easy decision. Keeping your best cover man in a division with some lethal aerial attacks, was a must.

After that, the Vikings started shopping. They landed former Colts center, Ryan Kelly on a reasonable deal. Later, the brought in his former Colts teammate, guard Will Fries, on a not so reasonable deal. Kelly and Fries will make the Vikings offensive line better, but they may come to regret the Fries contract.

The Vikings also built up the defensive side of the line of scrimmage, signing former Commanders Pro Bowl defensive tackle, Jonathan Allen and former 49er Javon Hargrave. The already formidable Vikings defense got even more stout, especially if Hargrave has anything left in the tank.

What the Hell Are They Doing?

The offensive line was a problem for the Houston Texans in 2024, how they chose to address it is head scratching.

They traded away their best offensive lineman, and one of the best tackles in the NFL, Laremy Tunsil, and also shipped out guard, Kenyon Greene for safety, CJ Gardner-Johnson. That second move is more understandable, given how disappointing Green has been. The Tunsil trade, however, makes no sense.

The Texans, thus far, have only brought in guard Laken Tomlinson, a meh move, at best.

There are still some decent offensive lineman on the market, and there’s the draft at the end of April, but so far, the Texans have actually weakened their biggest weakness.

The Indianapolis Colts said they wanted to bring in competition to push third year quarterback, Anthony Richardson. They settled on former Viking and Giant, Daniel Jones.

I understand that Jones has a ton of starting experience. I know he had that one pretty good year, but seriously, we know what Daniel Jones is and what he isn’t. I wrote about this earlier, and I’ll reiterate, Jones does not help the Colts one bit, unless he gets them to pull the plug on Richardson one year earlier.

As far as I’m concerned, the Colts will be in search of their franchise quarterback next year at this time. Daniel Jones all but ensures that.

The Tennessee Titans demonstrated why it’s not a good idea to go fishing in the free agent left tackle pond, when they threw 80 million at former Steeler, Dan Moore Jr, essentially because he was the best offensive tackle on the market.

Moore is a fine, average left tackle, but the Titans are paying him more than the Ravens or Rams paid to retain Ronnie Stanley and Alaric Jackson, respectively. Both Stanley and Jackson are superior players.

The Kansas City Chiefs are another team with offensive line issues that have addressed the need in a questionable fashion.

Retaining guard Trey Smith was understandable, but because of their cap situation, it forced them to trade away the better guard, All Pro Joe Thuney. Still, I can’t fault the Chiefs. Smith is younger and ascending, he’s just entering his prime, while Thuney is older and only has one year left on his contract.

Where I will find fault is giving starter money to a left tackle that’s only started nine games in three years. Former 49er, Jaylon Moore doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that the Chiefs have solved their issues on Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.

General Manager, Brett Veach, and Head Coach, Andy Reid, have a proven track record of success, so I guess we should trust them on this.

Speaking of General Managers we should trust, I have to think that Philadelphia Eagles GM has something cooking. Since winning the Super Bowl, the Eagles have lost key defensive pieces in Milton Williams and Josh Sweat to free agency. They released starting cornerback Darius Slay as well as backup James Bradberry. They trade away safety CJ Gardner-Johnson.

They also seem prepared to lose starting guard, Mekhi Becton.

All the Eagles have done is re-sign linebacker, Zack Baun and add a third string quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson and another reclamation project for the offensive line, Kenyon Green.

I think the Eagles are clearing cap space for a splash move and my instincts say it could be a trade for Bengals edge rusher, Trey Hendrickson.

Former 49er Aaron Banks has been a slightly better than league average guard, but the Green Bay Packers are paying him like a Pro Bowler. On a positive note, it probably drove up the price the rival Vikings had to pay for Will Fries.

The San Francisco 49ers seem to be heading for a full rebuild. They traded wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, let starting guard, Aaron Banks and cornerback, Charvarius Ward, walk in free agency.

They released fullback Kyle Juszczyk, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and edge rusher, Leonard Floyd.

And they’ve brought in no one if significance.

All of this, it seems, is preparation for the imminent extension of quarterback Brock Purdy. If I’m the Niners brass, however, I’d wait to see how he performs with a depleted supporting cast before paying him like a superstar quarterback.

The Bears continue to try to build a competitive team around second year quarterback, Caleb Williams. A new coaching staff, lead by head coach, Ben Johnson, will remake multiple facets of the team to their own standards.

Going into the offseason, the entire world knew that upgrading the offensive line was the top priority in Chicago. They got a jump start on that by acquiring guards Jonah Jackson from the LA Rams and Joe Thuney from the Chiefs. There is still work to be done, including center and a possible upgrade at left tackle, but the need doesn’t seem as pressing anymore.

Adding a pass rushing edge to complement Montez Sweat was another item high on the Bears priority list. Given the fact that the Bears hold the tenth overall pick and two early second round picks, I’m not sure they’ll break the bank in free agency on an edge rusher.

Interior defensive line could use some upgrades, but it’s a weak free agent class and a strong draft class, so I doubt they’ll go fishing in that pond. Ditto for adding running back and tight end depth.

With that being said, here’s what I expect to see from the Bears in the coming days:

Edge Rusher

If the Bears are going to make a splash in free agency, here’s where I think they might do it. The biggest splash would be signing Josh Sweat from the Super Bowl Champion, Philadelphia Eagles. I wouldn’t be totally shocked, but I think it’s a long shot that Chicago spends the kind of money it would require to land Sweat.

In my Free Agency Bold Predictions piece, I have the Bears signing Chase Young from the New Orleans Saints. Young has familiarity with new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, and is still young enough to have intriguing upside. He should command a relatively inexpensive salary compared to top tier edge rushers.

Pairing a Young signing with second year pro, Austin Booker and an early round draft pick would satisfy me. Booker has intriguing upside as a pass rusher and the Bears’ picks in the first two rounds give them an opportunity to land an impactful rookie pass rusher.

While signing Young and drafting an edge is a solid plan, I cannot help but be intrigued by a reunion with Khalil Mack. Reports state that Mack has interest in returning to Chicago and it seems that the interest may be mutual.

Mack, at age 34, will no longer command a top tier salary, but how much less is he willing to take and how high are the Bears willing to go for a rotational pass rusher.

If the price is right, I’m all for a Return of the Mack, and drafting an edge in the early rounds of the draft.

Prediction– Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I think the Bears will bring Khalil Mack back to Chicago on a reasonable deal and then target an edge early in the draft.

Offensive Line

The Bears went a long way towards fixing their offensive line with the acquisitions of Jackson and Thuney. Center, left tackle and depth are now the only glaring issues.

Offensive tackle is a vast wasteland in free agency. The Bears are better off not wading into that pond and instead looking at the draft for an upgrade.

Two weeks ago, I would have told you that the Atlanta Falcons’ Drew Dalman was priority number one in free agency. Now, I’m far less certain. Dalman will have multiple suitors, causing his price tag to become inflated.

The Raiders are set to release Andre James, which is another intriguing name. He may challenge Dalman for the honor of top center on the market.

I wouldn’t be opposed to bringing back Coleman Shelton, provided they target either North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel or Georgia’s Jared Wilson in the draft.

I’m hearing rumors, from sources in Indianapolis, that the Colts’ Ryan Kelly is a Bears target, on a short term deal. Like Shelton, I think a Kelly signing would require targeting the aforementioned Zabel or Wilson in the draft.

Green Bay’s Josh Myers and New Orleans’ Connor McGovern are also names to think about, but I consider them long shots.

Prediction– Once again, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I liked the idea of bringing back Shelton as a placeholder/quality backup, but Kelly would be an upgrade. At 32 years old, Kelly would only be a short term solution so I’d like to see the Bears find a way to land Georgia’s Jared Wilson in the draft.

Wide Receiver

Keenan Allen will likely be playing elsewhere in 2025, giving the Bears a need for a number three receiver behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.

The Bears will not be shopping in the upper echelons of the receiver market, they’ll be bargain shopping for fit and upside.

Jacksonville’s Josh Reynolds and Detroit’s Tim Patrick both have history with new head coach, Ben Johnson, and both would make sense as an inexpensive third receiver on a short term deal.

Cleveland’s Elijah Moore and Washington’s Dyami Brown both have intriguing upside that could complement the Bears top two receivers. I think Brown’s playoffs run might have put him out of Chicago’s price range, however.

Tennessee’s Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is a name I like, a lot, but I’ve heard nothing on that front. Just a name to watch.

Prediction– Call it a hunch, but I think Ben Johnson will want to bring in a familiar face that he can rely on as his do it all third receiver. Tim Patrick played for Johnson in Detroit last season and embraced and excelled at his role. I think he’ll join him in Chicago.

Quarterback

Caleb Williams is the franchise quarterback the Bears have long searched for. Lost in the Bears drama in 2024 and overshadowed by Jayden Daniels’ incredible rookie season in Washington, is the fact that Williams had a pretty good rookie season. Don’t forget that he came within a Hail Mary of leading a strong comeback victory against Daniels and the Commanders. He’s also the reason Ben Johnson chose Chicago.

I think the Bears have legitimate interest in adding a veteran voice to their quarterback room. Tyson Bagent is a decent back up, but he’s only entering his third season. What can he do to help Williams on his path to being a franchise quarterback?

There’s a couple veteran back up quarterbacks that could make a ton of sense, including Indianapolis’ Joe Flacco and Carolina’ Andy Dalton. However, in my mind, one name makes more sense than any other.

Prediction– Teddy Bridgewater came out retirement to back up Jared Goff in Detroit for the stretch drive last season. Ben Johnson knows him and he knows Ben Johnson’s offense. If he doesn’t go back into retirement he would be the perfect veteran voice to add to the QB room.

Now I’ll take a quick look at other positions that I don’t expect the Bears to be major players for:

Interior Defensive Line– The 2025 draft class is quite deep with interior defensive linemen, while the free agent class is rather shallow. A small move or two here wouldn’t surprise me, but I’m not expecting anything.

Running Back– Much like the defensive line, the running back draft class is strong, while the free agent crop is weak. The Bears could use another running back, but I expect them to address that in the draft.

Tight End– The Bears already signed Durham Smythe, so I don’t expect any other moves here, unless they bring back the ageless Marcedes Lewis. They could target a tight end in the draft.

Secondary– Secondary is probably the strongest position group for the Chicago Bears, but there could be a low key need at safety given Kevin Byard’s age and Jaquan Brisker’s injury history. Free agency is not where this will be addressed unless Byard gets released.

Linebacker– Unless they surprisingly release Tremaine Edmunds or TJ Edwards, the Bears will not be shopping for a linebacker this year. Depth could be added, but that could also come in the draft.

Well, this one threw me for a loop. The news dropped just as I was heading to work Friday night and I haven’t had a chance to write my thoughts down until now.

My bold predictions for free agency got off to a hot start. I predicted that Matthew Stafford would stay in L.A., I also predicted Alaric Jackson, Bobby Wagner, LaVonte David & Zack Baun would all re-sign with their respective teams. Furthermore, I predicted that Kansas City would retain Trey Smith and Cincinnati would retain Tee Higgins, and both were franchise tagged.

Most impressively, I called the trade of Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.

I did miss on Baltimore re-signing Ronnie Stanley, Washington re-signing Zach Ertz and Cincinnati re-signing Mike Gesicki.

Then the big shock happened. I predicted the Raiders would trade for a veteran quarterback, but I predicted it would be Kirk Cousins. I never had Geno Smith on my radar.

Now that the big trade has happened, it’s caused me to reconsider my predictions for quarterbacks. Some other nuggets of information have caused me to change my mind on some of these quarterback predictions.

First, I’ve come to believe that Atlanta may not trade Cousins. Furthermore, Pittsburgh seems likely to let Justin Fields test free agency, and I think that means they’ll likely lose him. Of course, Seattle is now also in the QB market, as well.

Let’s start with the Seahawks. I don’t think Seattle makes this trade without having a plan in place for the game’s most important position. The Seahawks have the 18th pick in the draft, so unless they plan on making a move for Shedeur Sanders or surprising everyone by taking Jaxson Dart, they’re likely going to trade for one or land one in free agency. I don’t think a trade is in the cards, so it’ll most likely be a free agent.

Sam Darnold remains the top quarterback that could possibly hit free agency. Could Seattle be prepared to outbid the other suitors? Possibly, but it’s no guarantee. I think they could also be suitors for Fields.

I predicted that the New York Giants would land Darnold, but I’m hearing they could be leaning towards Aaron Rodgers, if he decides he wants to keep playing. I think they’re still a possibility for Darnold, and I think they could also be suitors for Fields. The Giants also hold the third pick in the draft, which puts them firmly in a prime spot to draft a quarterback.

Pittsburgh will probably have to bring back Russell Wilson, if they lose Fields. Luckily, for them, I don’t think Wilson will have a robust market.

A wildcard in all of this is the Tennessee Titans. They hold the number one pick in the draft and could easily take a quarterback, but what if they would jump into the veteran quarterback market?

Sticking with the spirit of bold predictions, here’s some revised bold predictions for the quarterback market.

Bold Predictions- Steelers re-sign Russell Wilson. Bears sign Teddy Bridgewater.

Bolder Predictions- Seahawks sign Justin Fields. Jets sign Jameis Winston. Browns sign Mac Jones. Dolphins sign Trey Lance.

Boldest Predictions- Titans sign Sam Darnold & trade the number one pick to the NY Giants. Aaron Rodgers retires.

Whoa! Okay this is a big one. I don’t have to twist myself in knots to point out the upside of this trade for the Bears.

Thuney is a major upgrade for the interior offensive line. If Jonah Jackson can recover his pre-2024 form, the Bears could have one of the better guard tandems in the NFL.

Does this mean the Bears are out of the free agent offensive line market? Probably not entirely. I’m not sure they shell out the big bucks for Drew Dalman anymore, they might go for a less expensive option at center. Indy’s Ryan Kelly comes to mind. Jackson also has experience at center.

Maybe Detroit’s Kevin Zeitler is still an option.

Maybe Chicago now shifts focus to their other needs, edge rusher, perhaps ?

Josh Sweat is going to get paid, will it be by the Bears? Are the rumors about a reunion with Khalil Mack more than just smoke?

What does this mean for the draft? I think offensive line is still in play for the first round, but I’m also now pretty certain the Bears will add another running back.

Ben Johnson is going to try to build a reasonable facsimile of the Lions’ Sonic & Knuckles rushing attack, and Chicago’s current backs are not there. There’s upgrades to be had in the draft, up to and including Ashton Jeanty who I think is now firmly an option in the first round.

News just recently broke that the Chicago Bears are acquiring offensive guard, Jonah Jackson, from the Los Angeles Rams for a sixth round pick. The very pick that the Bears acquired for Justin Fields last year.

My initial reaction is to be a little underwhelmed. I’ve seen Ryan Poles take the cheaper option on the offensive line way too often, and it’s never worked in the Bears favor.

Ryan Bates, Lucas Patrick, Coleman Shelton, the list goes on. Not to mention his one big swing on the line, signing Nate Davis, which was an unmitigated disaster.

As I thought more about it, though, I’ve come to like the deal a little more. The price paid was small, and the salary owed is relatively low. Jackson is still just 28 and has had success in a Ben Johnson offense before.

If his struggles last year were mostly due to injuries and he can remain healthy, this could be a steal.

This also doesn’t necessarily take the Bears out of the free agent guard market. Though they probably won’t spend big bucks on top guys like Will Fries or Mekhi Becton, I’m okay with that. Both come with questions and will cost a lot more. Chicago could still possibly land Kevin Zeitler and another starting quality guard in the draft.

Where I really come to like this deal is the realization that while Chicago might not spend big free agency bucks on a guard, it could signal that they’re preparing to spend it elsewhere.

Even before the Kansas City Chiefs franchise tagged Trey Smith, I’ve believed that the Bears biggest focus should be on center.

Since Olin Kreutz retired we’ve seen a procession of mediocrity at center. Roberto Garza had a couple decent seasons. Cody Whitehair was average for a year or two. Sam Mustipher had half a decent season before he became a joke. Lucas Patrick never showed me a damn thing. Coleman Shelton wasn’t awful and I’d be okay to see him return as depth, but the Bears need to find a long term answer at center.

Even when Trey Smith was available, I considered Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman a high priority free agent target. With Smith off the market, Dalman is the clear top target. I can only hope Ryan Poles agrees.

I still have hopes that the Bears can vastly improve their offensive line in free agency and the draft and the trade for Jackson is a small step in that direction.

THE BOLD EDITION

Last week I published my bold predictions for free agency and one of them has already come to pass. With a week to go, I decided to do a bold mock draft. To help facilitate trades, I did two full rounds. Without further ado, I give you my boldest mock draft of 2025. *NFL Mock Draft Database was used for this mock.

ROUND ONE

ROUND TWO

As we get closer to the NFL’s annual free for all known as free agency, I thought I’d look into some of the players and teams beyond my usual focus on the Chicago Bears. Let’s start with the most important position in all of sports, the quarterback. *All rankings come from Pro Football Network:

QUARTERBACKS

• Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
• Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Mac Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Jimmy Garoppolo, Los Angeles Rams
• Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
• Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns
• Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts
• Mason Rudolph, Tennessee Titans
• Daniel Jones, Minnesota Vikings
• Carson Wentz, Kansas City Chiefs
• Cooper Rush, Dallas Cowboys
• Taylor Heinicke, Los Angeles Chargers
• Teddy Bridgewater, Detroit Lions
• Trey Lance, Dallas Cowboys

There are two players, not free agents, who are the biggest dominoes to fall before the quarterback market can start to sort itself out. Those are the Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins and the Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford. Also not listed because he’s technically not a free agent, yet, is the New York Jets’ Aaron Rodgers.

Cousins will surely be traded or released, I cannot envision Atlanta paying him that much to lurk on the bench behind Michael Penix Jr. The Rams have reached a contract impasse with Stafford and have given him permission to explore a trade. Ultimately, I think a deal will be worked out with the Rams. The Jets will release Rodgers, but it will be a post June 1st designation for salary cap purposes. Rodgers can’t sign with another team until then, but we could get a good idea of his next destination well before then.

Sam Darnold resurrected his career in Minnesota and has earned himself a significant payday. I think it’s unlikely that the Vikings would sign him to an extension with 2024 first round pick, JJ McCarthy, in the fold, but the franchise tag is a possibility. If Darnold does hit the open market, he should garner significant interest. The Giants and Raiders would have to be considered the favorites to land him.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will re-sign either Justin Fields or Russell Wilson as their 2025 starter. If Fields hits the open market he could garner interest from every quarterback needy team outside of Tennessee. Wilson would garner interest from teams on the cusp of contention like the Jets or Colts.

Of the remaining quarterbacks on the above list, only Mac Jones and Jameis Winston could possibly land starting gigs, or at least the chance to compete for a starting role in 2025. Winston could be re-signed by the Cleveland Browns as their starter or to compete with a rookie. If he leaves Cleveland it will be for strictly a back up role.

Jones is relegated to back up duties if he stays in Jacksonville, so I think he’ll look for a team that would give him a chance to earn the starting gig in 2025. The Giants, Raiders, Browns and Colts would make sense, with the Saints being a dark horse candidate.

The last two names on the above list hold a little intrigue for me. Teddy Bridgewater came out of retirement late in 2024 to be Jared Goff’s backup in Detroit. If he doesn’t go back into retirement, I see him either returning to Detroit or following Ben Johnson to Chicago to lend a veteran voice to their quarterback room.

Trey Lance was the third overall pick in 2021 and he’ll only be 25 years old on opening day in 2025. His vast potential has been largely untapped. Some teams should be willing to take the chance of signing him to a minimal deal with the hopes of unlocking that potential. I like teams with veteran, non-elite level, starters. Teams like the Saints and Seahawks. Miami could make a ton of sense, given Tua Tagovailoa’s troubling injury history. Even teams like the Lions or Buccaneers as a hedge against regression of their incumbent starters.

Bold Predictions- Steelers re-sign Justin Fields. Rams sign Matthew Stafford to an extension.

Bolder Predictions- Giants sign Sam Darnold. Jets sign Russell Wilson. Browns sign Mac Jones. Dolphins sign Trey Lance. Bears sign Teddy Bridgewater.

Boldest Predictions- Raiders trade for Kirk Cousins. Colts sign Aaron Rodgers.

RUNNING BACKS

• JK Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers
• Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers
• Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
• Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
• Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys
• Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos
• Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles
• Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

There’s been a lot of talk about the running back resurgence in the NFL because of the impact of the 2024 free agent class. Saquon Barkley was MVP level for the Super Bowl Champion Eagles. Derrick Henry had a monster season for the Ravens. Josh Jacobs, Aaron Jones, Joe Mixon & JK Dobbins were all key contributors on playoff teams. Even Tony Pollard and D’Andre Swift had decent seasons in Tennessee & Chicago, respectively.

This year’s class doesn’t have remotely the same level of firepower. JK Dobbins and Nick Chubb have significant injury histories. Aaron Jones and Kareem Hunt are on the back end of their careers. Najee Harris and Javonte Williams have never quite lived up to expectations. The rest of the above list have never been the primary ball carrier for an NFL team.

I think Aaron Jones could garner significant interest if Minnesota lets him hit the open market, but Najee Harris will probably reap the bigger contract.

Rico Dowdle and Kareem Hunt are probably looking for another chance to be the primary ball carrier for their team, while Nick Chubb might be chasing a ring at this point in his career.

Bold Predictions- Chargers re-sign JK Dobbins. Steelers re-sign Jaylen Warren. Vikings re-sign Aaron Jones.

Bolder Predictions- Raiders sign Najee Harris. Giants sign Rico Dowdle.

Boldest Predictions- Panthers sign Kareem Hunt. Chiefs sign Nick Chubb.

WIDE RECEIVERS

• Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals
• Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears
• Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills
• Darius Slayton, New York Giants
• Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs
• Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans
• Josh Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers
• DeAndre Hopkins, Kansas City Chiefs
• Mike Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Mack Hollins, Buffalo Bills
• Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns
• Diontae Johnson, Baltimore Ravens
• Tim Patrick, Detroit Lions
• Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams
• Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys
• Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans

In 2022, wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, AJ Brown, Amari Cooper & Marquise Brown were all traded. 2025 could rival that wild offseason.

The Rams have given Cooper Kupp permission to explore a trade and the 49ers did the same for Deebo Samuel. The Jets are likely to release Davante Adams, the Seahawks could release Tyler Lockett and several former Pro-Bowlers are set to hit the open market.

On top of all that, I think there’s a reasonable chance that Tyreek Hill could be traded, again.

If he hits the open market, Tee Higgins is easily the top receiver in free agency. Cincinnati has floated the possibility of using the franchise tag on him, however.

Chris Godwin is coming off a season ending injury, but he was having a career year before the injury and should have a robust market. Stefon Diggs also had his season cut short by injury but he should have a few more years left as a legitimate number one receiver.

Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins both underwhelmed after mid-season trades, but they’re both savvy veterans that could provide value in the right situation. Keenan Allen is another savvy veteran coming off a disappointing season. He’s open to returning to Chicago, but I don’t think the Bears will meet his asking price.

Two other names on the above list intrigue me. Tim Patrick is a good candidate to follow Ben Johnson to Chicago on a cheap deal. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was a touchdown machine in 2024 and has shown flashes in the past that could convince a team that he can handle a bigger role.

The Raiders are flush with cap space and need more pass catchers beyond Brock Bowers. New minority owner, Tom Brady, won a Super Bowl with Chris Godwin.

The Cowboys and Steelers have been searching for a strong second receiver for years. The Steelers have kicked the tires on trades for a receiver in the past and I think they could again. Stefon Diggs’ brother, Travon, plays in Dallas.

The Texans and Packers both have young, talented receiving corps that could benefit from a veteran presence.

The Rams will have to replace Cooper Kupp and Keenan Allen would probably prefer a return to the west coast.

The Chiefs would be better served using cap space to improve their offensive line, but a reunion with Tyreek Hill is fun to consider.

Bold Predictions- Bengals franchise tag & eventually sign Tee Higgins to an extension. Bears sign Tim Patrick.

Bolder Predictions- Raiders sign Chris Godwin. Cowboys sign Stefon Diggs. Packers sign Amari Cooper. Texans sign DeAndre Hopkins. Rams sign Keenan Allen. 49ers sign Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

Boldest Predictions- Steelers trade for Cooper Kupp. Commanders trade for Deebo Samuel.

BOLDEST OF THE BOLD Prediction- Chiefs trade for Tyreek Hill.

TIGHT ENDS

• Zach Ertz, Washington Commanders
• Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals
• Tyler Conklin, New York Jets
• Austin Hooper, New England Patriots
• Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints

I don’t see a robust market for tight ends this year, so I’ll just quickly move to predictions.

Bold Prediction- Patriots sign Mike Gesicki.

Bolder Prediction- Eagles sign Zach Ertz.

Boldest Prediction- Seahawks sign Juwan Johnson.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

• Morgan Moses, New York Jets
• Alaric Jackson, Los Angeles Rams
• Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens
• Dan Moore Jr, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Tyron Smith, New York Jets
• Kelvin Beachum, Arizona Cardinals
• Cornelius Lucas, Washington Commanders
• Cam Robinson, Minnesota Vikings
• Jedrick Wills Jr, Cleveland Browns
• Kendall Lamm, Miami Dolphins
• Trent Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

NFL teams don’t let quality offensive tackles hit free agency very often, so you have to question any of the players on this list that actually hit the open market.

Ronnie Stanley will probably be the biggest name available, but he comes with a history of injuries. Tyron Smith has also battled injuries in recent years and may opt to call it a career. Trent Brown was an elite offensive tackle, once upon a time, but his better days are behind him and he’s also coming off a season ending injury.

Alaric Jackson and Dan Moore Jr would both have several suitors if they hit the open market, but I’m not sure they will.

Cam Robinson will probably get paid handsomely, but you have to wonder about a player that two franchises decided to move on from in less than a year.

Bold Predictions- Rams re-sign Alaric Jackson. Steelers re-sign Dan Moore Jr.

Bolder Predictions- Patriots sign Ronnie Stanley. Tyron Smith retires from the NFL.

Boldest Predictions- Titans sign Cam Robinson. Chiefs sign Trent Brown.

INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

• Trey Smith, OG, Kansas City Chiefs
• Brandon Scherff, OG, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Coleman Shelton, OC, Chicago Bears
• Kevin Zeitler, OG, Detroit Lions
• Ryan Kelly, OC, Indianapolis Colts
• Drew Dalman, OC, Atlanta Falcons
• Teven Jenkins, OG, Chicago Bears
• Ryan Neuzil, OG, Atlanta Falcons
• Daniel Brunskill, OG, Tennessee Titans
• Will Fries, OG, Indianapolis Colts
• James Daniels, OG, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Matt Pryor, OG, Chicago Bears
• Bradley Bozeman, OC, Los Angeles Chargers
• Mekhi Becton, OG, Philadelphia Eagles

Please forgive me for making this section very Bears- centric. It’s a well known fact that Chicago drastically needs to improve the protection for 2024 first overall pick, Caleb Williams. Both of their starting guards and their starting center from last season are free agents. Teven Jenkins is a high end guard, the issue for him has been availability. With his extensive injury history, I doubt the Bears will commit significant money to him.

Jenkins’ relative youth and skills should make him one of the more sought after guards after the consensus top dog, Kansas City’s Trey Smith. Smith could become the highest paid guard in the NFL, and it’s starting to sound like the Chiefs may find a way to make that happen.

Mekhi Becton has followed a similar career arc as Jenkins. Drafted as a tackle, he was a bust in New York, partly due to injuries. He moved to Philly, kicked inside to guard and had a stellar season that ended with a Super Bowl victory. My question with Becton is has the position change unlocked his talents or was his rebound season a result of playing on the best offensive line in the NFL? Becton could be worth the risk at the right price.

Matt Pryor was thrust into a starting role with Chicago and he performed well. I’d like the Bears to bring him back but merely as a depth piece, as was the original plan.

Kevin Zeitler, at 35 years of age, would be a short term solution, but he’d come at a reasonable price and he knows Ben Johnson’s offense.

Center has been an issue for the Bears pretty much since Olin Kreutz departed in 2011. They need to stop trying stop gap measures and get serious about finding a long term solution. Atlanta’s Drew Dalman is the top center, that would be a long term fit, set to hit the market. The Bears have the cap space to make it happen.

Bold Predictions- Bears re-sign Matt Pryor. Eagles re-sign Mekhi Becton.

Bolder Predictions- Chiefs re-sign Trey Smith. Bears sign Kevin Zeitler.

Boldest Predictions- Bears sign Drew Dalman. Vikings sign Teven Jenkins.

EDGE RUSHERS

• Josh Sweat, Philadelphia Eagles
• Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
• Chase Young, New Orleans Saints
• Dante Fowler Jr, Washington Commanders
• Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles
• Dennis Gardecki, Arizona Cardinals
• Azeez Ojulari, New York Giants
• Haason Reddick, New York Jets
• Michael Hoecht, Los Angeles Rams
• Dayo Odeyingbo, Indianapolis Colts

I’ll start by addressing the elephants in the room. MYLES GARRETT & MICAH PARSONS ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE! Garrett has requested a trade from Cleveland, but it makes no financial sense for the Browns to trade him. They’re already cap-strapped and the dead money hit they’d take from a trade is just infeasible.

Micah Parsons is due an extension, one that should make him the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. The Cowboys just handed out big contracts to Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb last year, and some wonder how they can make a third huge contract work. Dallas will somehow find a way.

The fact is that NFL teams do not let high end edge rushers leave.

Josh Sweat was already the top edge set to hit free agency, then he had a monster Super Bowl that earned him an even heftier contract.

Khalil Mack is the biggest name available, but he’s no longer in his prime. He still has the ability to be highly productive as part of a rotation and he may want to chase a ring at this point in his career.

Three names that intrigue me are Chase Young, Azeez Ojulari and Dayo Odeyingbo. All three have never quite reached their potential for various reasons, but the flashes are there to attract teams in need of pass rushers.

Haason Reddick would probably like to have a do-over for 2024. His disastrous hold-out and lack of production once he returned to the field cost him a lot of money. He’ll probably need to accept a cheap, one year prove-it deal.

Bold Predictions- Bears sign Chase Young. Packers sign Dayo Odeyingbo.

Bolder Predictions- Raiders sign Azeez Ojulari. Buccaneers sign Haason Reddick.

Boldest Predictions- Lions sign Khalil Mack. Chargers sign Josh Sweat.

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

• Teair Tart, Los Angeles Chargers
• Jarran Reed, Seattle Seahawks
• Calais Campbell, Miami Dolphins
• BJ Hill, Cincinnati Bengals
• Sebastian Joseph-Day, Tennessee Titans
• Osa Odighizuwa, Dallas Cowboys
• Milton Williams, Philadelphia Eagles

This year’s draft class is loaded with quality interior defensive linemen. High end contributors can and will be found through all seven rounds. For this reason, I don’t anticipate a robust market for interior defensive linemen. I’ll skip right to the predictions and I only have one:

Bold Prediction- Eagles re-sign Milton Williams.

LINEBACKERS

• Zack Baun, Philadelphia Eagles
• Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders
• Eric Kendricks, Dallas Cowboys
• Ernest Jones, Seattle Seahawks
• Jamien Sherwood, New York Jets
• Robert Spillane, Las Vegas Raiders
• Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs
• EJ Speed, Indianapolis Colts
• LaVonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Cody Barton, Denver Broncos
• Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers

Off ball linebackers have been devalued quite a bit in the NFL. I don’t see a lot of big money deals coming for this group.

One player that did earn himself a huge pay raise is Zack Baun. On a one year, prove-it deal, Baun was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year for the Super Bowl champion Eagles.

Bobby Wagner and LaVonte David are both past their prime, but still provide production and valuable leadership to their respective teams. I cannot imagine David playing for any team other than the Buccaneers. The Commanders had a special season and the future is bright, I think Wagner may want to stick around for the next chapter.

The two names on this list that I could see changing teams are Nick Bolton and Dre Greenlaw.

Bold Predictions- Buccaneers re-sign LaVonte David. Commanders re-sign Bobby Wagner.

Bolder Prediction- Eagles re-sign Zack Baun.

Boldest Predictions- Titans sign Nick Bolton. Raiders sign Dre Greenlaw.

CORNERBACKS

• Byron Murphy, Minnesota Vikings
• DJ Reed, New York Jets
• Carlton Davis, Detroit Lions
• Paulson Adebo, New Orleans Saints
• Jourdan Lewis, Dallas Cowboys
• Nate Hobbs, Las Vegas Raiders
• Donte Jackson, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Stephon Gilmore, Minnesota Vikings
• Asante Samuel Jr, Los Angeles Chargers
• Mike Hilton, Cincinnati Bengals
• Ahkello Witherspoon, Los Angeles Rams
• Kristian Fulton, Los Angeles Chargers
• Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons
• Brandon Stephens, Baltimore Ravens
• Artie Burns, Seattle Seahawks
• Noah Igbinoghene, Washington Commanders
• Michael Jackson Sr, Carolina Panthers
• Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers
• Rasul Douglas, Buffalo Bills

Corners are always in high demand and this year’s crop of free agents is pretty deep and could get deeper. The Packers and Jaire Alexander seem destined for a split. The Eagles will surely release James Bradberry, and Darius Slay could be released to create extra cap space.

The Vikings will do everything possible to retain both their corners, Byron Murphy & Stephon Gilmore. I think they’ll do it, if they can convince Gilmore to take a team friendly deal.

Their division rival, Detroit Lions, should also do their best to keep Carlton Davis.

The Jets’ DJ Reed and Saints’ Paulson Adebo will probably be the top corners to hit the open market because both the Jets & Saints have salary cap issues.

Asante Samuel Jr has flaws in his game, but his youth and coverage ability should make him attractive to teams. Charvarius Ward and Rasul Douglas both have the pedigree that teams will covet.

Bold Predictions- Lions re-sign Carlton Davis. Vikings re-sign Byron Murphy & Stephon Gilmore.

Bolder Predictions- Eagles release Darius Slay. Packers sign Charvarius Ward. Raiders sign Paulson Adebo. Cardinals sign Asante Samuel Jr. Jets sign Rasul Douglas.

Boldest Predictions- Bills trade for Jaire Alexander. Commanders sign DJ Reed. Jaguars sign Darius Slay.

SAFETIES

• Justin Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
• Tre’von Moehrig, Las Vegas Raiders
• Julian Blackmon, Indianapolis Colts
• Will Harris, New Orleans Saints
• Xavier Woods, Carolina Panthers
• Jeremy Chinn, Washington Commanders
• Justin Simmons, Atlanta Falcons
• Quandre Diggs, Tennessee Titans
• Camryn Bynum, Minnesota Vikings
• Isaiah Pola-Moa, Las Vegas Raiders
• Ar’Darius Washington, Baltimore Ravens
• Jevon Holland, Miami Dolphins

Like off ball linebacker, the safety position has been devalued in today’s NFL. There are some good players on this list, but I don’t see a very robust market developing. I’ll skip right to the predictions.

Bold Prediction- Raiders re-sign Tre’Von Moehrig.

Bolder Prediction- Packers sign Will Harris.

Boldest Prediction- Jaguars sign Jevon Holland.

Just because I’m addicted to mock drafts and I’m already bored with the offseason, I thought I’d publish my first seven rounder for the Chicago Bears. A lot can change between now and the draft. We’ll have the scouting combine in Indianapolis, where player rankings will start to come into more focus. Then, there’s free agency where team needs will be clarified. Individual pro days will eventually lead to a more refined idea of what players teams are focused on.

For now, this is how I see the draft going for the Bears:

ROUND ONE, PICK #12

Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas

The Cowboys came calling and I assumed it was for Ashton Jeanty. I think a first round running back is a luxury pick, one the Bears aren’t in a position to make yet, so I accepted the deal to move down two spots and added an extra third round pick.

To my surprise, the Cowboys passed on Jeanty and I strongly considered him here, given Ben Johnson’s use of the two back system in Detroit, but I still think the trenches are where they’ll focus.

I believe the Bears will add two interior offensive linemen in free agency, leaving a need for another guard. Tyler Booker is the top guard on my board, but the 49ers grabbed him with the previous pick. Looking at offensive linemen and edge rushers, Banks was the top player on my board.

Some believe that Banks will kick inside to guard in the NFL, which would be fine considering the Bears still have a need there, but I think he has the physical tools to stay at left tackle. Braxton Jones has been a serviceable left tackle, especially given that he was a fifth round pick, but Banks offers a much higher ceiling.

ROUND TWO, PICK #39

Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Bears need a pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat and I don’t think they’ll land a long term answer in free agency. Stewart is a freak athlete with the size to be a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL. Personally, I see him as a first round talent, but some inconsistencies in his game could push him into the second. If he’s there at number 39, the Bears have to pounce.

Stewart has dominant potential as an edge rusher if his minor inconsistencies can be cleaned up. He and Sweat could form a fearsome duo.

ROUND TWO, PICK #41

Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State

I have the Bears double dipping on the offensive line with one of my favorite players in the draft. Right now, Zabel is listed as a tackle, but I think he’ll find a home as a starting guard. He does give the Bears positional versatility as he’s excelled at all five positions across the offensive line.

ROUND THREE, PICK #72

Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

The Bears stay in the trenches and add an absolutely massive human being to their defensive line. Walker has the size to be a run stuffer and the athleticism to be a disruptive interior pass rusher.

ROUND THREE, PICK #76

Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU

With the pick acquired from Dallas earlier, I have the Bears adding another weapon to Caleb Williams’ arsenal. Lacy is more of a big bodied, contested catch type receiver like Keenan Allen than the take the top off the defense type that the Bears currently lack, but LSU receivers have excelled in the NFL and I think Lacy will carve out a nice role for himself in a Ben Johnson offense.

ROUND FIVE, PICK #149

Malachi Moore, S, Alabama

The Bears have an underrated need at safety. Kevin Byard was fine, but his best days are behind him and he’s a potential cap casualty. I have concerns about Jaquan Brisker’s health given that he missed the last 12 games of the season recovering from a concussion.

Moore is a ballhawk and excels in coverage. He’s also a decent tackler, though not a physical thumper. He’s a liability as a box safety, but if Brisker is healthy he can fill that role.

ROUND SIX, PICK #204

Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa

The Bears have needed a secondary tight end for years, they’ve tried adding one in free agency but the results have been severely underwhelming. Lachey never reached the levels of production many thought possible and he’s an average blocker. He’s also an older prospect, but given Iowa’s strong track record of producing high quality NFL tight ends he’s worth a shot in the sixth round.

ROUND SEVEN, PICK #235

Devin Neal, RB, Kansas

Many Bears fans are probably eyeing a running back earlier in the draft, but I don’t think it’s as high a priority as most. Neal’s home run threat upside offers plenty of potential for a seventh round pick.

ROUND SEVEN, PICK #242

Jermari Harris, CB, Iowa

In the NFL, a team can never have enough depth at corner. Harris has limitations, but has shown sufficient ball skills to make him worth a late seventh round pick.

SYNOPSIS

If free agency goes the way I, and many Bears fans hope, Chicago will have completely revamped and vastly improved their offensive line in one offseason. Banks could be the long term answer at left tackle or, at worst, a high end starting guard. Zabel has starting potential and at minimum offers depth across the entire offensive line.

Stewart and Walker have the potential to significantly upgrade the Bears defensive front, making them a formidable unit.

Lacy and Lachey should both carve out roles in Ben Johnson’s offense, while Moore has starting potential.

Neal and Harris could add valuable depth if they can make the 53 man roster.

It’s worth noting that the Bears could gain an extra third round pick should Ian Cunningham land the general manager position in Jacksonville.

The 2024/25 NFL season is in the books. There is still no three-peat champion in NFL history. A few quick thoughts as we embark upon the long, long march to the 2025/26 season…

Super Bowl LIX- I wish I had been more firm in my conviction that the Philadelphia Eagles were the team to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs. I picked them, but I left a sliver of doubt because of KC’s legacy. Philly left no doubt on the field. This was as thorough a domination of a Super Bowl as we’ve ever seen.

The Eagles were superior at every level and every position. There wasn’t a single area in which they weren’t clearly the better team. Even the Chiefs collection of legendary championship stars: Mahomes, Kelce, Chris Jones looked pedestrian. KC’s vaunted coaching geniuses, Andy Reid & Steve Spagnuolo were thoroughly outclassed by Nick Sirianni, Kellen Moore and the real star of the Super Bowl, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Hell, even the maligned Eagles kicker, Jake Elliott, outshone the best clutch kicker in the game.

The only gripe I have, and it’s a minor one, is awarding the MVP to Jalen Hurts. Hurts was good, but Philly won this game because of an absolutely dominate defense. A defensive player should have gotten the nod. Any of Josh Sweat, Zack Baun or Cooper DeJean would have been a fine choice. Alas, this is an award that invariably goes to the star quarterback of the winning team and Jalen Hurts is worthy of recognition for his accomplishments.

Building a Champion- Howie Roseman deserves all the accolades he’s gotten for building the Eagles roster into the best in the NFL, but I think most people are paying more attention to the free agency moves and trades to acquire talent instead of the masterclass in drafting he’s displayed the last few years.

Going back to the 2021 draft, he was able to work out a deal with rival Cowboys, to jump the rival Giants and land DeVonta Smith. The price paid was minimal as well.

How about 2023? He again moved up to get his guy. Maybe he didn’t need to move up one spot for Jalen Carter. The Bears were obviously not interested (more on that later), but they were also obviously shopping the pick. Howie didn’t take the chance of another team jumping him and a fourth round pick is a small price to pay.

Last year’s draft might have been the best yet. I liked Quinyon Mitchell for the Eagles but thought they would have to move up for him. Howie stood pat and let Mitchell come to them. He then doubled down on corners by taking Cooper DeJean in the second round ( I had DeJean going in the first round). The Eagles collapse in 2023 was mainly because their secondary imploded down the stretch. In one draft, Howie Roseman remade it.

Going further, the Eagles and Chiefs met in the Super Bowl two short years ago. The Eagles entered this Super Bowl with an almost completely new defense. The 2022/23 Eagles defense was good, this 2024/25 Eagles defense is historically great. It wasn’t just Vic Fangio, it was Howie Roseman deftly remaking and retooling the defensive roster.

Jalen Carter- A lot of people on Bears social media continue to gripe about the Bears passing on Carter, and I get it. Carter looks like he may well be the next Aaron Donald. He’s dominant and just going to get better. I remember being disappointed when Donald went one pick ahead of the Bears in 2014, then watching him become the most dominant defensive player since Reggie White. I wanted Donald, and I’d love to have a guy like Carter.

The thing is, there’s no guarantee Carter would have become the player he is in Chicago. There were character red flags coming out of Georgia and I’m not alone in questioning his maturity.

He landed in Philadelphia, who had seasoned veterans like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham to mentor him. Then he got a defensive mastermind in Vic Fangio to coach him up and unleash his potential.

Chicago had none of that. Carter’s natural, physical talent was undeniable, but we’ve seen many a physical talent flame out in this league when they don’t have the proper coaching and guidance. Maybe he would have excelled in Chicago, but my instinct says he would never have gotten to be as good as he already is in Philly. It was a risk a young, rebuilding team like the Bears couldn’t take.

Kellen Moore- The Saints have hired Moore as their next head coach, thereby completing the 2025 coaching cycle. The Saints job was perhaps the least desirable of the seven available. New Orleans continues to be in cap hell because of years of kicking the can down the road. They’ve got a mix of aging veterans and young talent with holes at every level of their roster. This is not a quick rebuild, but one that could take years.

Still, they did well landing Moore. He just won a Super Bowl by building an offense around the strength of the players at his disposal. I said a couple weeks ago that a possible Moore hire would garner a B grade from me, I’ll up that to a B+. It’s a solid hire for the Saints.

Here’s my rankings of the new head coaches heading into 2025:

1. Ben Johnson, Bears
2. Mike Vrabel, Patriots
3. Aaron Glenn, Jets
4. Kellen Moore, Saints
5. Pete Carroll, Raiders
6. Liam Coen, Jaguars
7. Brian Schottenheimer, Cowboys

Quarterback Carousel- Free Agency will be very interesting, as always, but perhaps more so this year. There are eight teams with decisions to make at quarterback, with two more lurking as possibilities. How things shake out will go a long way in determining how the draft will go.

Speaking of the draft, it’s a down year for quarterbacks. I think only 2 will go in the first round, and neither would have cracked the first round last year.

Here’s the starting caliber quarterbacks that I think could be available via free agency or a trade:

• Kirk Cousins
• Aaron Rodgers
• Sam Darnold
• Russell Wilson
• Justin Fields

There’s also some veterans that are better suited to be backups that could land a starting role as a bridge QB. Those include Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, Gardner Minshew & Mac Jones.

Now, here’s the teams that I think are in play for a QB:

• Jets- I like them to sign a cheap veteran then look to draft a QB.
• Browns- The best they could possibly hope to land is Fields. They do have the number two pick in the draft.
• Steelers- They’ll bring back either Wilson or Fields. My guess is Wilson.
• Colts- I don’t think they’ll give up on Richardson, yet, but I think they’ll kick the tires on Cousins and Rodgers.
• Titans- My gut says they’ll roll with Levis for one more season and either trade the first pick or take either Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter.
• Raiders- They’re in play for everyone. If the Steelers let Wilson walk, this is likely where he lands. They’re also a team to watch as far as the draft goes.
• Giants- I think they’re major players for Cousins, Darnold & Fields. With the head coach and GM on incredibly hot seats, I’m not sure they want to tie their fortunes to a rookie from this class.
• Vikings- They’re either handing the keys to McCarthy or bringing back Darnold on the franchise tag. My gut says they’ll tag Darnold.
• Saints- It’s going to be a lengthy rebuild in NOLA. Does Kellen Moore want Carr or not?

The Falcons aren’t in the quarterback market but they do have to decide what to do with Cousins. The 49ers need to extend Purdy, which could have repercussions throughout the league.

Free Agency- Teams have until March 12 to re-sign or tag their own players, so right now it’s pure speculation on who might be available. That being said, here’s my wishlist for the Chicago Bears:

• Trey Smith, OG, Kansas City
• Drew Dalman, OC, Atlanta
• Josh Sweat, EDGE, Philadelphia