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Grading the 2025 Bears Offense That Stole Our Hearts

By
Ficky
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caleb williams
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

If you told me in August that I’d be sitting here in January, staring at an 11-6 record and an offense that actually looks like a professional operation, I would have asked what you were smoking and where I could buy some.

For years — decades, really — watching the Chicago Bears offense has been like watching a car crash in slow motion. You know it’s going to be bad, you know someone’s getting hurt, but you can’t look away. It’s been a factory of sadness. A place where quarterbacks go to die and offensive coordinators go to get fired.

But 2025? This year was different.

It wasn’t just “better.” It was a complete revival. Ben Johnson didn’t just paint over the cracks; he tore the damn house down and built a mansion. We’re talking 25.9 points per game. We’re talking nearly 370 yards of offense every single Sunday. And most importantly, we’re talking about a franchise quarterback who finally — finally — looks the part.

We didn’t just survive the season; we thrived. But don’t get it twisted — this isn’t a puff piece. We aren’t handing out participation trophies. Some guys played like gods, and some guys… well, some guys were just collecting a check.

Let’s tear this roster apart, position by position, and see who actually earned their keep in this fever dream of a season.

QUARTERBACK: The Caleb Williams Experiment (Year 2)

Caleb Williams Grade: A-

The Raw Numbers:

  • 3,942 Passing Yards (Franchise Record – Finally)
  • 27 Touchdowns, 7 Interceptions
  • 58.1% Completion Rate (We’ll get to this)
  • Sacks Taken: 24 (Down from 68… yes, you read that right)

The Reality: Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately: The sacks.

In 2024, watching Caleb Williams drop back was borderline malpractice. It was 68 sacks. Sixty-eight. That’s not football; that’s assault. I spent half of last season screaming at my TV and the other half praying his ACLs would survive the winter.

This year? He took 24. That is a 64.7% reduction. That is absurd. That is a statistical glitch in the matrix.

Now, the haters (and the box score scouts) will look at that 58.1% completion rate and say he’s inaccurate. They’re wrong. Stop looking at spreadsheets and watch the tape. Caleb’s “time to throw” went up to 3.20 seconds, yet the sacks plummeted. Why? Because he stopped playing like a rookie running for his life and started playing like a surgeon. He learned that throwing the ball away isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a survival skill.

His pressure-to-sack rate dropped from 28.2% (which was pathetic) to 12.2% (which is elite). He turned 2nd-and-10 disasters into 3rd-and-4 manageable situations just by not eating dirt.

The “Clutch” Factor: Stats don’t measure guts. Caleb had six fourth-quarter comebacks. Six. When the game was on the line, when the defense was gassed and the fans were chewing their fingernails off, #18 didn’t flinch. He broke Erik Kramer’s single-season passing record — a record that stood since 1995, which is frankly embarrassing for this franchise, but hey, the curse is broken.

The Bad: Is he perfect? Hell no. His short game still gives me ulcers. How do you hit a guy 40 yards downfield in stride but skip a 5-yard swing pass to the running back? It’s maddening. His completion percentage under 10 yards dropped to 77%. That’s lack of focus, plain and simple. He gets bored with the easy stuff. He wants the homerun every time.

Verdict: He’s not Bo Nix. He’s not going to dink and dunk you to death. He’s Josh Allen 2.0. He’s chaotic, he’s frustrating, and he’s absolutely electric. For the first time in my life, we have a quarterback who matters.

RUNNING BACKS: The Vet and The Rook

D’Andre Swift Grade: B+

The Raw Numbers:

  • 1,087 Rushing Yards (4.9 YPC)
  • 9 Touchdowns
  • 2 Fumbles (Early season brain farts)

The Reality: Swift is exactly what we thought he was: A luxury sports car that looks great on a clean track but hates potholes.

When the line opened holes? He was gone. 4.9 yards per carry is nothing to sneeze at. He was reliable, he stayed healthy (16 games!), and he put up over 1,000 yards. In Chicago, where we worship running backs like deities, that usually gets you a statue.

But let’s look closer. His advanced metrics were… average. He ranked 60th in success rate. 60th! That means when we needed 4 yards, he got 3. He wasn’t creating on his own; he was riding the coattails of an offensive line that was mauling people. He’s a “Get what’s blocked” runner.

The “Value” Check: He did his job. He kept the offense on schedule. But was he a game-changer? Not really. He was the steady hand while the rookies provided the juice. A solid B+ for doing exactly what you were paid to do, but don’t expect me to buy his jersey.

Kyle Monangai (The Steal) Grade: A

The Raw Numbers:

  • 783 Yards (4.6 YPC)
  • 5 Touchdowns
  • Drafted: Round 7, Pick #233 (Basically free)

The Reality: Ryan Poles, you magnificent bastard.

Finding a starter in the 7th round isn’t scouting; it’s witchcraft. Monangai runs like he’s angry at the ground. He’s 5’8”, 207 pounds of pure leverage. While Swift was dancing looking for a hole, Monangai was creating one with his face mask.

Since Week 9, he was top-10 in the league in yards after contact. “The first defender rarely brings him down” isn’t just coach-speak; it’s the truth. Watch the Week 9 tape against Cincy. 176 yards. He looked like Maurice Jones-Drew reincarnated.

Verdict: This kid isn’t a backup. He’s a co-starter. He has zero ego, blocks like a linebacker, and breaks tackles for fun. He is the heartbeat of this run game moving forward.

WIDE RECEIVERS: The Disappearing Act & The Future

DJ Moore Grade: C+

The Raw Numbers:

  • 50 Receptions (Down from 98)
  • 682 Yards (Down from 966)
  • Attitude: Questionable

The Reality: First off, I love DJ. Or, I used to love DJ even more. But this season? What the hell happened?

A 49% drop in receptions isn’t a slump; it’s a cliff. And don’t give me the “too many mouths to feed” excuse. Great players demand the ball. DJ looked checked out. When we were winning? He was fine. When we were losing? He was invisible. Zero touchdowns in losses. Zero.

There were rumors all year about his effort, and frankly, the tape backs it up. Lazy routes. Bad body language. He played like a guy who already cashed the check. He saved his grade with that game-winner in the playoffs, but for $60M+? We need a WR1, not a mood ring.

Rome Odunze Grade: B-

The Raw Numbers:

  • 44 Receptions, 661 Yards
  • Contested Catch Rate: 72.2% (Elite)

The Reality: Injuries suck. Odunze was robbing defensive backs blind before he got hurt. A 72.2% contested catch rate is insane for a young WR — better than Mike Evans, better than Kelce. When the ball is in the air, it’s his. Period.

But… a 48.9% overall catch rate? That’s ugly. Some of that is Caleb forcing deep shots, but some of that is on Rome. He needs to clean up the easy stuff. He’s a Ferrari with a flat tire right now. High ceiling, frustrating floor.

Luther Burden III Grade: A-

The Reality: This kid is a problem. A legitimate, headache-inducing problem for defensive coordinators.

After the bye week, he turned into Deebo Samuel-lite. You get the ball in his hands, and good things happen. He breaks ankles in a phone booth. He ran routes from the slot, he took handoffs, he returned kicks. He is the “Swiss Army Knife” cliché come to life.

He was Caleb’s safety valve. When the play broke down, Burden was open. That’s an innate skill you can’t teach. He’s going to be a star in this league for a long time.

Jahdae Walker Grade: B+

The Reality: Who? Exactly. An undrafted kid from Texas A&M who caught the game-tying TD against the Packers? Give him a lifetime contract. I don’t care if he never catches another ball. That one play was worth his entire salary.

TIGHT ENDS: The Passing of the Torch

Colston Loveland Grade: A+

The Raw Numbers:

  • 58 Receptions, 713 Yards
  • 193 Postseason Receiving Yards (NFL Rookie Record)

The Reality: We have a unicorn, folks.

I’ll admit it — I scratched my head at the pick. “Another tight end?” I said. “We have Kmet!” I was an idiot.

Loveland isn’t a tight end; he’s a weapon. He moves like a receiver and blocks… well, enough. He set the NFL record for rookie tight end receiving yards in the playoffs. He broke Sam LaPorta’s record. Do you know how hard that is?

He was PFF’s highest-graded rookie. Not highest-graded rookie tight end. Highest-graded rookie period. He is George Kittle with better hair. He is the future of this offense.

Cole Kmet Grade: B-

The Reality: Kmet took one for the team this year. He went from “The Guy” to “The Blocker,” and he did it without complaining. His stats tanked, but his value didn’t. He did the dirty work in the trenches so Loveland could shine. A true pro, even if his fantasy owners hate him now.

OFFENSIVE LINE: The Miracle on the Lakefront

Left Tackle: The Revolving Door Grade: C+ (Combined)

The Reality: Braxton Jones? Hurt. Theo Benedet? Spunky but overwhelmed. Ozzy Trapilo? Flashed brilliance then blew his knee out.

This position is the one terrifying crack in the foundation. We survived with duct tape and prayers at Left Tackle this year. If Poles doesn’t address this in the offseason, he’s negligent. You can’t protect a franchise QB with undrafted free agents forever.

Joe Thuney (LG) Grade: A++

The Reality: Put this man in the Hall of Fame today.

He allowed zero sacks. Zero. In 16 games. He had an 88.5 pass-blocking grade, which led the entire NFL. He is a machine. He is a wall. Trading a 4th round pick for him wasn’t a trade; it was highway robbery. We robbed the Chiefs blind.

When Trapilo went down in the playoffs, Thuney moved to Left Tackle. He’s 30+ years old playing a position he hasn’t touched in years, and he held his own. That is legendary stuff.

Drew Dalman (C) & Jonah Jackson (RG) Grade: B

The Reality: Dalman was the brain. Jackson was the muscle.

Dalman missed time last year, but this year he was the anchor. Smart, tough, consistent. Jackson scared the hell out of me in Week 1 (three pressures and two penalties? Come on), but he settled in. By the playoffs, he was mauling people. They weren’t flashy, but for the first time in a decade, I wasn’t terrified of interior pressure.

Darnell Wright (RT) Grade: A

The Reality: Darnell Wright is a violent human being, and I love him for it.

He played 99% of the snaps. He was an AP Second-Team All-Pro. He erased edge rushers. Remember when people said he was a “reach” at #10? Those people are quiet now. He is the cornerstone. He is a refrigerator with feet. He’s an elite run blocker and a developing pass protector who shut down the league’s best in Week 18.

Final Verdict

Overall Offensive Grade: B+

This wasn’t just a good season; it was a necessary one. We exorcised the demons of 2024. We proved that you can develop a quarterback in Chicago. We proved that the McCaskey curse might actually be lifting.

The Good:

  • The Sack Reduction: Going from 68 sacks to 24 is the single most important stat of the decade.
  • The Rookies: Poles hit a grand slam. Loveland, Burden, Monangai—these aren’t depth pieces; they are stars.
  • The Run Game: #2 in the NFL. We bullied people.

The Bad:

  • Left Tackle: It’s a mess. Fix it.
  • DJ Moore: Is he part of the future or an expensive memory?
  • Red Zone: We left too many points on the board.

We went 11-6. We were dangerous. And for the first time in forever, I’m not dreading next September. I’m counting down the days.

Bear Down. 🐻⬇️

Bears Assistant Coach Drops Hint About His In Future Chicago

By
Dave
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Detroit Lions wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El communicates with players during the second half against Tennessee Titans at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

In an NFL offseason defined by turnover, the Chicago Bears appear poised to retain one of their most important culture-setting assistants. Bears assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El recently posted a message on Instagram that strongly suggests he is staying in Chicago, despite the league-wide trend of staff poaching following successful seasons.

Randle El shared a photo with wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus accompanied by the caption, “Year one in my city. Setting the standard.” The message carried weight, particularly given Randle El’s deep personal ties to the area. Born in Riverdale, Illinois, Chicago is his hometown, and the wording reflected both pride and commitment. Around the league, such posts are often subtle indicators of intent, and this one reads clearly: Randle El plans to continue what he helped build in 2025.

The timing is notable. Early in the 2026 offseason, the Bears lost running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who departed to rejoin the Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator. Bieniemy played a key role in Chicago’s playoff run and his exit was expected to be the first of several changes. With speculation surrounding other assistants, retaining Randle El becomes even more significant.

His impact and energy in year one was evident despite the drop issues from Bears pass cathcers. Continuity at the position is especially important as head coach Ben Johnson continues to refine his offensive system and support Caleb Williams development.

The Bears are also expected to keep defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, further signaling a desire for stability and unfinished business. In a league driven by constant change, Randle El choosing to stay represents something rare: homegrown continuity, cultural alignment, and belief in what’s being built. As Chicago looks toward 2026, that foundation matters.

ESPN Report Raises Red Flags About Jaquan Brisker’s Future

By
Erik Lambert
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jaquan brisker
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker (9) fires up the crowd after a penalty call against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears now face their most important offseason in recent memory. They won the division this year, made the playoffs, and were 15 yards away from likely going to the NFC championship. It is clear this team is good enough to challenge for a Super Bowl. All they need is one more push. That responsibility falls to GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson over the next few months. It starts with figuring out who they want to keep among several in-house free agents. Near the top of that list is Jaquan Brisker.

After missing most of last season with a concussion, the safety played every game in 2025. He finished with 93 tackles, a sack, an interception, and eight passes defended. His performance in the playoff loss to Los Angeles was excellent, reminding everybody of what his versatility brings. The problem is whether it was enough to convince the team to hand him a second contract. According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, that seems unlikely, not because of the injury concerns, but the growing market awaiting him in March.

The 2022 second-round pick still doesn’t have an extension, which isn’t the best sign in terms of his future with a team that has a ton of offseason decisions to make. It sounds to me as if Brisker will have an outside market that prices him out of Chicago.

Another Bears dilemma complicates the decision on Jaquan Brisker.

Keep in mind, they’ve already handed lucrative contracts to both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. They can’t afford to pay everybody. Some money must be saved for elsewhere. Such is the nature of the salary cap era. Sooner or later, a sacrifice must be made. Do the Bears think they can survive without Jaquan Brisker? The short answer is yes. His production is not irreplaceable. Finding good safeties in the draft is easier than finding them at premium positions like cornerback and pass rusher.

Right now, Jaquan Brisker is projected to command at least $10 million per year. If the market is as strong as ESPN says, it’ll probably end up being more. Even with some cap restructuring, that seems like too much for the Bears to commit to a guy who wasn’t even the best player at his position on the team. Kevin Byard should probably get priority treatment despite being in his 30s. Who knows. Maybe Brisker and the front office find a way to make it work. Based on where things are trending, though, his future lies elsewhere.

An Important Detail Was Just Added In The Zion Williamson To Chicago Buzz

By
Ryan Dauterive
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Dec 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) and forward Zion Williamson react after referee Ed Malloy (14) called a foul on Missi during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Starting about two weeks ago, names started being attached to all of the swirling Chicago Bulls trade rumors. One of the biggest names and most reasonable targets was Zion Williamson. The New Orleans Pelicans are tied for the worst record in the NBA, and Williamson’s future with the organization is under extensive consideration. His contract is lucrative, his fit with the emerging young talent is questionable, and consistent injuries have led New Orleans to decide it wants to move on. Can he and the Chicago Bulls benefit from a fresh start? Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times adds more context and details surrounding the rumors.

Expect Yves Missi, Hope For Zion

According to Cowley, the Pelicans are far more willing to deal their second-year center Yves Missi. At just 21 years old, he brings athleticism and rim protection that Chicago sorely lacks. With Derik Queen quickly proving to be the big man of the future in New Orleans, they’ve become willing to send Missi elsewhere. In an ideal world, the Bulls would snag both him and Williamson, while dumping their expiring contracts to a destination that needs the freed cap room in a few months, and both sides would benefit from a shake-up. Cowley notes that it’s not that simple, as the Pelicans are desiring future draft capital, a group of assets Chicago should be unwilling to part ways with.

This Is The Deal

If Arturas Karnisovas can pull off one of the best trades of his tenure with the Bulls, here’s what it would look like.

New Orleans Receives: Coby White, Nikola Vucevic, Jevon Carter, 2028 Second-Round Pick

Chicago Bulls Receives: Zion Williamson, Yves Missi

This deal would help the Bulls unload White, Vucevic, and Carter’s expiring contracts while giving up minimal future assets. It would also give New Orleans a chance to sign White long-term and add him to a growing young core moving forward. Williamson would instantly become Chicago’s most popular player, and with his complicated and incentive-based contract, the risk is not as high as many think. Missi would be a perfect fit for adding young, untapped potential talent.

Knowing Karnisovas’s trade deadline history, and that Williamson’s price tag will likely grow as the cutoff nears, Missi is the target, and his counterpart is the dream. The most expected outcome would be a small deal for the 21 year old center, that sees Chicago unload an expiring contract or a low-grade future draft pick.

Luis Robert Jr. Traded to Mets: How The Deal Could Transform the White Sox Roster

By
Mitchell Kaminski
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Jul 30, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) hits a single during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

After months of trade speculation, the White Sox have finally pulled the trigger, dealing Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets in exchange for Luisangel Acuña and right-hander Truman Pauley.

The Mets were among several teams reported to have interest in Robert throughout the offseason. According to previous reports from MLB insider Michael Marino, Acuña was a player the White Sox had specifically targeted as part of a potential return.

Acuña Brings Versatility and Upside

Acuña’s addition figures to intensify competition across the White Sox infield. As things stand, Chase Meidroth and Colson Montgomery are penciled in up the middle, with Munetaka Murakami and Miguel Vargas occupying the corner spots, setting the stage for a crowded and competitive infield picture.

It’s a good problem for the White Sox to have, and Acuña adds no shortage of intrigue. The 23-year-old Venezuelan only has 109 Major League games under his belt, all coming across two seasons with the Mets. The early returns haven’t been great. 

In 95 games last season, Acuña hit .234/.293/.274 with no home runs,  eight RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. While the offensive production was limited, the White Sox now offer him a lower-pressure environment with increased opportunity, consistent at-bats, and the time needed to continue his development.

Acuña has all the tools to be an impactful everyday player. In 2024, he ranked 66th on MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospect rankings. This offseason, he became the first player to hit four home runs in a Venezuelan winter league game. Like Robert, Acuña is also a terror on the basepaths, boasting one of the fastest sprint speeds in baseball. 

His addition gives manager Will Venable immediate lineup flexibility. Acuña has experience at second base, third base, and shortstop, and has even appeared in center field, allowing the White Sox to mix and match as they evaluate their infield options.

White Sox Add Hard-Throwing Righty

Pauley has yet to reach the Major Leagues. The 22-year-old right-hander was selected by the Mets in the 12th round of last year’s draft out of Harvard, where he posted a 5.37 ERA in his final season but averaged an impressive 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings. 

He arrives in the White Sox system with raw stuff. He stands at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, and can touch 95 mph with his fastball. His arsenal also features a pair of different sliders and a changeup. While there are questions about his command, he possesses clear swing and miss potential, which could turn him into a power bullpen option down the road. 

Robert Heads to New York as Mets Gain All-Star Potential

Despite ongoing trade rumors, the White Sox began the offseason by exercising Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 million club option.

According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Mets had previously asked Chicago to cover a portion of Robert’s salary in trade discussions, a request owner Jerry Reinsdorf was reportedly unwilling to entertain. In this deal, New York will assume the full $20 million option, relieving the White Sox of any financial obligation tied to Robert’s salary.

The trade feels like a win-win for both clubs. The White Sox can continue their rebuild, while the Mets add a top-tier defender in center field with flashes of All-Star-caliber potential.

Chicago had reason to consider holding onto Robert for the start of the season. After an All-Star campaign in 2023, when he posted a 4.9 WAR with 38 home runs and 20 stolen bases, the White Sox had hoped to cash in at the 2024 trade deadline.

However, injuries and a down season limited Robert to 100 games, resulting in the lowest OPS of his career and a significant drop in trade value, forcing Chicago to keep him for another year. That slump carried into 2025, as he finished with 1.4 WAR for the second consecutive season.

Still, there were signs of life late in the year. Before a hamstring injury ended his season in late August, the 28-year-old posted an .808 OPS in the second half, slashing .298/.352/.446 after the All-Star break. White Sox general manager Chris Getz also spoke highly of Robert, as a player he believed could help the White Sox win games and grow the young core. 

His move to New York will mark the first time Robert has worn another team’s jersey. In six seasons with the White Sox, he hit .259/.313/.455 with 102 home runs and 298 RBIs. He also finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, won a Gold Glove in 2020, and followed that with a Silver Slugger Award in 2023.

While Robert never fully developed into the superstar that White Sox fans thought they were getting, a change of scenery could prove beneficial for both parties.

Perfect Storm Brewing: Rival Missteps Are Clearing A Path For Chicago Bears In 2026

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing talks to his players during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Monday, July 29, 2024.

The offseason just began for the Chicago Bears after their heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Rams. While they collect themselves and prepare for an important spring, events are happening elsewhere. Based on early returns, many of them are tilting in the Bears’ favor without having to do anything. It starts with the Green Bay Packers, who just lost defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to the Miami Dolphins as their next head coach. Given how much trouble Hafley gave Ben Johnson in their three meetings this year, it feels like a big loss for that team up north.

Detroit also selected its next offensive coordinator after the John Morton experiment failed. Their choice? Drew Petzing. This caught many by surprise, considering his offenses were largely underwhelming in Arizona, ranking higher than 19th only once in three seasons.

San Francisco lost Robert Saleh to the head coaching job in Tennessee, once again leaving their defense in uncertain hands and hurting their standing in the NFC.

Last but certainly not least, the Minnesota Vikings still haven’t re-signed Brian Flores to a contract extension. If they fail, it could potentially cripple their defense at a time when they have no clear solutions at quarterback.

The Chicago Bears haven’t even started their improvement process.

They are in a strong position to give their roster another jolt this offseason once they clear some cap space. If GM Ryan Poles plays his cards right, this team could be ready to take a considerable step further than this year. If the division regresses or even stagnates a bit thanks to these setbacks, it makes the Bears’ path that much easier. Green Bay hasn’t yet replaced Hafley. They might be able to save their situation if they can land somebody credible. Flores is the big domino. His leaving makes Minnesota considerably less formidable than it’s been the past few seasons.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears coaching staff will remain largely intact. Ben Johnson is their offensive coordinator. Dennis Allen isn’t going to get any head coaching buzz. Their main brain trust will have time to continue implementing the schemes to help shape this team’s identity. Such continuity has been rare for the Bears in recent years. Having a loaded division certainly hasn’t helped. It seems they may finally be showing some weakness for once.

Adam Amin Just Dropped This Bar With Caleb Williams Courtside In Chicago

By
Ryan Dauterive
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Jan 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, left, and Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong are seen during the first half of the game between the Chicago Bulls and the LA Clippers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears just concluded one of the most magical seasons in the history of the illustrious franchise. From just five regular-season wins a season ago and firing their head coach midseason to an 11-6 record and the number two seed in the NFC this year, the excitement was endless. Quarterback Caleb Williams also claimed the franchise record for passing yards in a single season, led the Bears to their first postseason victory since 2010, and almost pulled off another upset victory two days ago in the Divisional Round. Regardless of the outcome, Williams has become one of the most popular and supported athletes in Chicago. Yesterday, he was spotted at the Chicago Blackhawks game, where he received a standing ovation, and chants began to fill the arena. Tonight, at the Bulls game in the same arena, fans had the same reaction to the future of their football franchise.

The Two Biggest Celebrities In Chicago

Tonight at the Chicago Bulls game at the United Center, the two most popular and inspiring athletes in Chicago were in attendance. Pete Crow-Armstrong, star center fielder for the Chicago Cubs, and Caleb Williams have been making their rounds to various Chicago sports events. As the next wave of icons in the illustrious city, it’s a promising sign that the youngest of superstars are ambassadors of supporting the neighboring franchises and have built relationships across sports. When they showed the pair of star-studded young athletes sitting courtside, the arena erupted. Adam Amin noted that they feature two of a larger group of elite young talents in the area, and that the future looks encouraging for the different organizations that represent the historic Windy City.

“Sub-Zero And Ice Man In The Same Arena”

Many sports fans outside of Chicago know Adam Amin as one of the most versatile and talented announcers in sports. He’s an NFL play-by-play announcer for Fox, has been spotted calling MLB postseason games, and has appeared in some Team USA Basketball exhibition games. For Bulls nation, he’s the voice of the games. For six years, he’s been calling Chicago’s games alongside the famous and electric Stacey King. This bar, said after Coby White nailed his third consecutive three-point basket in under a minute, might be one of his best.

“Sub-Zero and the Ice Man In The Same Arena!”

Adam Amin via CHSN

With two Chicago stars in the stands, Bulls fans were also painfully reminded that the other franchises around the city have figured something out that Jerry Reinsdorf and company refuse to compute. Rebuilds done correctly can quickly result in contenting rosters.

Chicago Bears 2026 Mock Offseason: Controlled Aggression

By
Erik Lambert
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chicago bears 2026 mock offseason
Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) reacts after a sack against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The new Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason comes with better knowledge of how GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson might be able to approach next March and April. For some time, it was felt they were hamstrung by salary-cap constraints. In reality, there is more than enough wiggle room for the team to be aggressive if they wish. The trick is taking calculated swings on players they like without going overboard. Here is a new version of how they could approach matters.

The latest Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason is about controlled aggression.

Trade:

WR D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills for a 4th round pick

Moore’s contract alone makes such a move something the Bears have to consider. His ongoing inconsistency on the field adds to it. Chicago has a lot of trade history with Buffalo. They sorely need another weapon for Josh Allen. Moore would be a good fit alongside Khalil Shakir. The Bears get a decent draft pick in return, along with $16 million in cap relief.

Cuts/Re-structures:

Cap space: $65 million

Re-signings:

The Bears can keep their safety room intact without breaking the bank. With Edmunds out of the picture, keeping Jackson as your new starter at middle linebacker makes plenty of sense. That would allow T.J. Edwards to shift back to his natural outside spot. Everybody else provides quality, affordable depth or special teams help.

Cap Space: $48 million

Free Agency:

  • EDGE Trey Hendrickson – 2-year deal for $50 million ($9.9 million cap hit in 2026)
  • LT Cam Robinson – 1-year deal for $13 million ($6.15 million cap hit in 2026)
  • DT John Franklin-Myers – 2-year deal for $15 million ($3.76 million cap hit in 2026)

Trading for Maxx Crosby sounds nice, but the price tag might be too much. Hendrickson has ties to Dennis Allen from their time in New Orleans together. When healthy, he remains a highly disruptive pass rusher. Pairing him with Montez Sweat and Austin Booker should give the Bears’ defense some juice, at least for a couple of seasons. Add Franklin-Myers as an interior rusher, and you’re cooking with gas. As for Robinson, he gives them some much-needed dependability at left tackle while Ozzy Trapilo rehabs.

Cap Space: $27.87 million

The Draft:

1st Round – T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Clemson has a track record for producing quality pass rushers in recent years. Parker didn’t quite have the same year he did in 2024, but he was still a consistent presence for the Tigers. He has the size and length needed to hold the edge while displaying a good mix of power and finesse to beat blockers around the edge. He’s not the most explosive in the world, but he’s a good athlete who makes the most of his gifts.

2nd Round – Christen Miller, DT, Georgia

The comparisons to Kenny Clark are well-earned. Miller is a big defensive tackle who is surprisingly quick and athletic. While he doesn’t produce much on the stat sheet, his ability to disrupt the interior gives opposing offenses fits. Blockers must always account for him or risk letting their game plans get ruined. The Bears really need somebody like that in the middle.

3rd Round – Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

Ben Johnson loves two things: speed and YAC ability. It is why the Bears drafted Luther Burden last year. Burks checks those same boxes. He is a versatile weapon who can win deep or take a short pass for a long gain. Teams will knock him for his shorter size, but creative coaches can turn him into a dangerous weapon.

4th Round (via BUF) – DJ Campbell, OG, Texas

This Chicago Bears 2026 mock offseason would not end without some sort of offensive line investment. Campbell is a big guard with a mauling style in the run game and a good anchor in pass protection. His fundamentals could use work. Learning from Joe Thuney is never a bad thing.

4th Round – Bishop Fitzgerald, S, USC

Life after Kevin Byard must be on the Bears’ minds. Fitzgerald certainly fits the same profile as an elite ballhawk. He has 10 interceptions over three years in college, demonstrating a strong range and terrific instincts. His size will be a frequent topic, which could limit his effectiveness against the run.

5th Round – Aiden Fisher, LB, Oklahoma

The Bears tried the pure athleticism route with Hyppolite last year. It didn’t work. This time they opt more for the proven production. Fisher has been a steady presence for the Sooners, showcasing a great mix of instincts, intelligence, leadership, and tenacity. Guys like him overachieve in the NFL.

7th Round (via CLE) – Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa

Iowa tends to produce good safety prospects. Nwankpa may not have the same pure instincts that many other safeties do, but he has a great mix of size and athleticism and he’s shown steady improvement over the course of his college career. He’s worth a gamble.

7th Round – Jaren Kanak, TE, Oklahoma

Kanak was a one-year wonder for Oklahoma, having converted to tight end from linebacker as a senior. He immediately posted over 500 yards thanks to his unique mix of speed and natural hands. He is still extremely raw, but prospects like him are worth the extra effort.

Cubs Might Have Gotten a Real Steal from White Sox

By
Aldo Soto
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Sep 13, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Ryan Rolison (50) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Back in December the White Sox picked up left-handed pitcher Ryan Rolison, claiming the former first round pick off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. The 28-year-old made his MLB debut last season and despite the rocky results there are some signs that Rolison could be a real steal for the Cubs, who grabbed him off the White Sox’s 40-man roster.

The Cubs have plenty of pitching depth heading into the 2026 season and with that advantage the front office is able to take a chance on a few additional arms to see if one of them pops off in their organization. Rolison has an option year remaining, which can give the left-hander an edge over some of the other pitchers the Cubs have signed on minor league deals this offseason. If the lefty looks good at Triple-A, then he’ll be one of the guys near the top of the depth chart that can be easily shuttled between Iowa and Chicago.

No matter how you break down his first stint in the big leagues the numbers were bad for Rolison. He made 31 appearances with the Rockies and posted a 7.02 ERA in 42.1 innings. The left-hander only recorded a 13% strikeout rate, while walking 10.4% of the batters he faced. Opponents also crushed Rolison to the tune of a .318 batting average.

Rolison features a fastball that averages 93mph, while mixing in a curve ball, slider and the occasional change up. So, what exactly did the White Sox and now the Cubs see in Roslin to put in a waiver claim on him? Well, he did a pretty good job during his time at Triple-A in the Rockies system in 2025, as Roslin had a 3.34 ERA in 29.2 innings, with a 25.2 K%.

That’s all nice and good for gaining confidence in the minor leagues, but as we saw that didn’t translate in Colorado. So, why should any Cubs fan care about Rolison and his potential? Well, the Cubs do have a good track record of restoring pitchers who have been searching for answers and while that individual still has to put in the work and buy in to new methods, Rolison’s pure stuff on the mound compares quite favorably to a current Cubs success story.

Rolison and Justin Steele share several characteristics, including Steele’s unique fastball.

That’s certainly a starting point for the Cubs and Rolison to get in the lab and figure out how to raise his level in the big leagues. If the left-handed pitcher can get back on track, then the Cubs could definitely keep him around beyond 2026. Rolison is arb eligible in 2027, and could be under team control through the 2029 season.

Ben Johnson Already Made His First Coaching Staff Tweak And It’s A Puzzler

By
Erik Lambert
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ben johnson
Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on from the sideline against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Ben Johnson warned that the group the Chicago Bears went into 2025 with would not be the same as the one they approached 2026 with. He’s already being proven correct. The coaching staff is the first to see this happen. Eric Bieniemy, their prominent running backs coach, is leaving to take over as offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, a position he held from 2018 through 2022. That is just the start though. Word surfaced on Tuesday that the first new addition was named.

Will Lawing has served as the offensive coordinator at Boston College for the past two years. Before that he was an assistant coach in New England, Alabama, and Houston. It was primarily spent working with tight ends. Lawing was teammates with Johnson at North Carolina. BC head coach Bill O’Brien revealed that the 40-year-old is leaving his post to join the Bears.

“He’s been with me for a long time — he would describe that as dog years,” O’Brien told BC reporters Tuesday. “But he had a great opportunity to go work for Ben [Johnson]. He went to North Carolina with Ben, and obviously the Bears are doing a great job. So we wish him the best.”

It isn’t clear yet what job Lawing will take over. Running backs coach is the only one open, but he could take a role as assistant tight ends coach under Jim Dray or another spot. Lawing was a receiver in college. There is speculation that the Bears could lose Antwaan Randle El to a promotion elsewhere.

Ben Johnson only knows what the plan is for Lawing.

If it’s to work with tight ends, he at least brings some credibility. The man helped Hunter Henry have a strong year in 2023 despite quarterback problems. It was also true in Houston, where Darren Fells had seven touchdowns in 2019. His two years at Boston College were a mixed bag. The offense had a decent first season in 2024, with efficient quarterback play and a solid ground game. Both regressed last year after some personnel losses. If Lawing is being brought in to help with the development of Colston Loveland, he is at least capable of that.

This is a slight departure for Ben Johnson. He made it a personal note not to hire his buddies when he took over as head coach. This move certainly falls into that category. Lawing does at least have NFL experience. It will depend on how high a position the Bears give him. If it’s to replace Bieniemy, that would certainly be a significant downgrade, especially given the availability of more qualified candidates. We should have answers to these questions by the end of the week.

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