Bears Fans Cautioned to Have ‘Tempered Expectations’ in 2025

The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 offseason with renewed optimism and a clean slate after parting ways with Matt Eberflus. They landed Ben Johnson, one of the hottest head coaching candidates on the market, and made several splashy moves to reshape the roster. But while excitement around the franchise has surged, ESPN’s recent B- grade for the Bears’ offseason serves as a reminder that the rebuild still has some question marks. Bears fans should welcome the progress, but also have tempered expectations as the team transitions.

ESPN Gives Bears a B- Offseason Grade: Why Fans Should Temper Expectations

GettyJonah Jackson #73 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill with Chris Glaser #63.

ESPN analyst Seth Walder pegged hiring Johnson as the Bears’ biggest and most promising move of the offseason. Johnson was highly coveted for his offensive creativity and success as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, and he figures to give Chicago a schematic edge it hasn’t had in years. That said, Walder cautioned that predicting the success of a first-time head coach is notoriously difficult. Johnson was the best possible hire on paper, but until he proves he can command a locker room and make in-game decisions over a full season, it remains an open question.

Building a new system that works takes time, especially with young talent across the board and an organization that’s trying to shed off years of dysfunction. Johnson’s arrival could transform the Bears, but growing pains shouldn’t be surprising in 2025.

What was surprising was the Bears trading for Jonah Jackson, with Walder stating it was “one of the most inexplicable moves of the offseason.” He did mention trading for Joe Thuney and signing Drew Dalman were good moves to address the offensive line, but noted that Jackson struggled with the Los Angeles Rams last season.

But it’s not fair to assume trading for Jackson was a bad move, considering he hasn’t played a snap for the Bears and was a Pro Bowler in 2021 with Johnson as his offensive coordinator. And hey, at least Jackson is practicing this offseason, unlike Nate Davis.

Cautious Optimism

GettyESPN’s Seth Walder isn’t a fan of the Bears signing Grady Jarrett, but that doesn’t mean Jarrett can’t prove him wrong in 2025.

Where Walder was the most critical was the signing of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, saying the deal was “awful value.”

“They gave him a three-year contract averaging $14.25 million with $28.5 million fully guaranteed, per Roster Management System,” Walder wrote. “That includes a full guarantee on his 2026 base salary when Jarrett, who has been steadily declining, will be 33. Jarrett’s pass rush win rate at defensive tackle had dropped every season from 2019 (22%) to 2024 (9%), and he suffered a torn ACL in 2023.”

The fact of the matter is the Bears struggled getting to the quarterback and applying pressure last season. Jarrett will not only be a leader for this new-look defense, but also have an opportunity to bounce back with a team that hasn’t given up on him.

It’s understandable why Walder has his doubts about some moves. And it’s hard to be hopeful year in and year out, only for the Bears to disappoint each and every season. But for once, it feels like the Bears are finally heading in the right direction. For now, tempering expectations might be the move, but guys like Jackson and Jarrett have a huge opportunity to prove the doubters wrong next season.