Bears Just Made a Major Offseason Move That Could Shape the Next 5 Years

Chicago aligns its front office vision by extending the GM behind the rebuild

The Chicago Bears have already made plenty of noise this offseason—from a flashy rookie class featuring Luther Burden III, Ozzy Trapilo, and Colston Loveland, to splashy free-agent moves and a new head coach in Ben Johnson. But while fans have been mixed on what’s to come—with excitement around Caleb Williams paired with questions about execution—one of the most important power plays just happened behind closed doors. A key figure pulling the strings is sticking around—and that might be the most underrated win of the offseason.

General Manager Ryan Poles—the calm, calculated architect of Chicago’s rebuild—has agreed to a new five-year contract extension, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - APRIL 23: A general view of the Chicago Bears logo prior to the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 23, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

‘ESPN sources: the Bears and general manager Ryan Poles have reached agreement on a contract extension that ties him to Chicago for the next five years, through the 2029 season. Poles had two years remaining on his old deal, but now the Bears have him and new head coach Ben Johnson both under contract for a matching five seasons.’

Since taking over, Poles has focused on methodically reshaping the Bears. Drafting quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick marked a pivotal decision, and with 2024 first-round pick Rome Odunze returning for his second season, Chicago has another promising piece to help stabilize the offense moving forward.

Poles drafted edge rusher Austin Booker in 2024 and selected tight end Colston Loveland in the 10th round of the 2025 draft, who’s been mentioned in early All-Rookie Team projections.

Then there’s the trade game. Poles flipped Justin Fields to the Steelers, clearing the path for Williams, and stole Keenan Allen from the Chargers to instantly raise the offense’s floor.
In free agency, Poles made several targeted additions. Poles added D’Andre Swift to bring some pop to the backfield, locked down veteran leader Kevin Byard, and secured Matt Pryor for needed line depth.

Now, with Poles and Johnson locked in through 2029, Chicago is showing the league it’s serious about structure, vision, and patience. It’s easy to obsess over rookies and depth charts, but sometimes, the most important win is making sure the right people stay in charge of it all.