The 2024 NFL season might have come to a close, but all eyes will remain on the league for the next few months. With the conclusion of football on the field comes the drama of the NFL offseason. The new league year opens in just under three weeks, which means there are plenty of questions for each team to answer before the start of the acquisition period.
The Chicago Bears and their new coaching staff are no exception. Changes were needed after another disappointing season that saw a projected nine-win team go (5-12). Despite keeping the same front office, the Bears hired a new coaching staff with minimal holdovers from the Matt Eberflus era. Because of that, there’s guaranteed to be plenty of change within the team’s roster.
Before they can get to free agency and the draft, they must make some decisions on players that remain under contract for 2025. Although this roster is closer than it showed in 2024, the combination of cost and fit could drive Chicago into multiple tough decisions over the next few weeks. We’ll dive into five players that have their futures up in the air
S Kevin Byard III
The long-time Tennessee Titan appears past his prime in many regards. Even so, he had a quality first season in Chicago, considering the injuries around him and the lack of pressure created by the front four. Eberflus clearly valued leadership on the back end, which was why Byard was brought in on a two-year, $15 million deal just before the start of free agency last March..
Although Dennis Allen’s defense has many similarities, he values versatility in his secondaries. Byard isn’t the ballhawk he used to be, but he’s still better suited as a free safety than when he plays closer to the line of scrimmage. Complicating matters even more, Jaquan Brisker missed over half last season after sustaining a concussion before the team’s bye week.
Byard, who is in the final year of his contract, is set to count as $8.5 million against the cap. While the Bears aren’t up against the cap by any means, they could save $7 million by moving on. Considering the top-end of the free agent market at the position, it stands to reason that the Bears could find a younger, better option with a similar cap hit for 2024. Even if I’d still lean toward the veteran being back in 2025, the defensive staff’s vision for this group could play a key role in their plans for safety.
CB Tyrique Stevenson
Going into 2024, many expected the second-year cornerback from Miami to have a breakout sophomore season. Although his season started off on the right foot, the Hail Mary in Washington dramatically changed the course of his season. Not only did he find himself under heavy criticism from the fan base, but it was clear that the coaching staff was not happy with him. Following their last-second loss against the Commanders, Stevenson found himself in a rotation with Terell Smith for the majority of the second half of the season.
When Stevenson was on the field, he struggled in coverage and with mental mistakes. It was clear that his mistake in Washington bothered him, and the coaching staff did not adequately support him behind the scenes. Allen was asked about Stevenson and the situation during his first press conference, and overall, he seemed non-committal. The former second-round pick is going into just his third NFL season, but it’s fair to wonder what the plan is for him moving forward under a new coaching staff.
Eberflus’ staff had an apparent affinity for Smith but would never fully commit to him as the starter. Will the new coaching staff feel the same, or could this be another spot on the defense where they secretly want to upgrade? Between Al Harris and Allen, there are a few familiar names expected to hit the free agent market. Considering the number of needs this team has, spending a high-value resource at the position would be unwise, but it’s also worth noting that Allen’s background is focused on defensive backs. Only time will tell how this situation plays out. While no one should expect Stevenson to be a surprise cut candidate, it’s worth wondering where he’ll stand in the pecking order when practices open in May.
WR Tyler Scott
It’s no secret that I was higher on Scott than most when he came out of the 2023 NFL draft. I had a second-round grade on the former Cincinnati product and expected him to play a key role in the Bears’ offense. Two years later, it’s fair to wonder if this new coaching staff will value him any differently.
Scott possesses the best speed on the team. During his time with the Bearcats, he was their regular deep threat with a knack for tracking the ball in the air. He was known as a good route runner, even if he was under-sized. Yet, during his time in Chicago, Scott struggled as a deep threat in his rookie year and was the odd man out more often than not in 2024. He profiles similarly to current Detroit Lions receiver Kalif Raymond as a receiver. Johnson was able to find a role for him as a gadget player on offense. Where Raymond holds a clear advantage over Scott is special teams play.
It’s no secret that Chicago requires a quality No. 3 option at receiver. Maybe with a different offensive staff in the building, Scott can develop into the player they were hoping for when they drafted him in the fourth round. There’s also a good chance that he could be a player who is overlooked by the new staff and replaced by the end of training camp. There’s still plenty to like about the 23-year-old’s game, even if that is based on his college film. How this coaching staff evaluates him will go a long way in whether or not he’s a valued role player in 2025 or looking for a new team in September.
iOL Ryan Bates
General manager Ryan Poles’ obsession with Bates ranges back to his first year in Chicago. After signing him to an offer sheet just for the Buffalo Bills to match, Poles had to wait two years to get his guy finally. Unfortunately for him, Bates didn’t appear to be worth that wait.
The 28-year-old appeared in just three games, including two starts. He was placed on Injured Reserve twice in the span of one season. In 105 snaps, Bates one sack, graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 99th best guard in pass protection and 72nd overall. For a second straight year, Bates’ production was more of a sample size than anything of substance.
With the arthritic condition in his arm that can only be managed, it’s fair to wonder if he has a future in Chicago. The Bears must completely reshape their interior offensive line this offseason, which could mean that Bates sticks around until training camp. His $4 million cap hit for 2025 has no guaranteed money attached, making him a player that they can roll with until they feel comfortable. It’s also possible that Poles’ affinity for the player will win out. In the end, the evaluations of Johnson and new offensive line coach Dan Roushar should play the most prominent role in deciding Bates’ fate.
QB Tyson Bagent
The last name on this list has much less to do with past production or ability and more to do with a new approach. Last year, Poles and Eberflus opted to lean on veteran experience in the backup quarterback role. It was widely questioned; frankly, it’s easy to see why in hindsight. Despite there being multiple coaches in the room, there were too many times when Caleb Williams looked like he lacked the proper leadership around him. That’s not a criticism of the rookie quarterback but more questioning why the Bears thought their approach was the smart choice.
Veteran backup quarterbacks often accompany young quarterbacks. With new voices in the room and an offensive-minded head coach calling the shots, it’ll be interesting to see their approach with their soon-to-be sophomore quarterback.
Even if the Bears opt for a veteran backup like Teddy Bridgewater, for example, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a roster spot for Bagent. It would just mean that the logistics of the 53-man roster become a little more complicated. Call it a gut feeling, but it’s easy to believe that some sort of veteran will be brought in to help Williams along in Year 2.
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