The Chicago Bears have made significant moves this offseason, but securing an extension for cornerback Kyler Gordon remains at the forefront of their priorities. Gordon, now entering a contract year, has emerged as one of the NFL's top nickel cornerbacks, showcasing impressive stats over his last season, with a career-high 75 tackles, four pass breakups, and multiple fumble recoveries.

General Manager Ryan Poles emphasized the importance of retaining Gordon during the NFL Owners Meetings, indicating that discussions about his future will be ongoing as the team adapts to new coaching strategies under Dennis Allen. The Bears are keen to incorporate Gordon into their aggressive defensive scheme, suggesting that an extension could be on the horizon before the start of the 2025 season.

The Chicago Bears' 2024 season ended in disappointment with a 5-12 record, marking a year of upheaval highlighted by a midseason coaching change. However, not all was bleak. Caleb Williams showcased the talent that made him the top draft pick, positioning him as a breakout candidate for the 2025 season. Additionally, cornerback Jaylon Johnson continued to impress, securing a spot among Pro Football Focus's Top 101 players. His performance earned him a second consecutive Pro Bowl selection, underlining his status as the Bears' key defensive asset.

Johnson's standout statistics included a career-high 53 tackles and two interceptions in a full 17-game season. His impressive 98th percentile ranking in advanced coverage metrics demonstrates his exceptional performance. Now, the Bears must decide on Kyler Gordon, Johnson's partner in the secondary, who also had a solid season. With changes expected this offseason, Johnson remains the cornerstone as the franchise aims for playoff contention.

The Chicago Bears have made significant changes in their coaching staff, appointing Dennis Allen as the new defensive coordinator and Declan Doyle as the offensive coordinator. Allen, a seasoned NFL coach, brings extensive experience, having previously coached the New Orleans Saints and the Las Vegas Raiders. His focus will be on revitalizing the Bears' defense, particularly leveraging talents like Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson and standout Kyler Gordon.

In contrast, Doyle, at just 28, is the youngest coordinator in the league. His prior experience includes coaching tight ends with the Denver Broncos under Sean Payton. Doyle aims to modernize the Bears' offensive strategies, emphasizing creativity and adaptability. He sees potential in rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, drawing parallels with his experience mentoring Bo Nix, a former Pro Bowl alternate. Both coordinators are excited about shaping the Bears' future under head coach Ben Johnson’s vision.

The Chicago Bears are looking to address safety as part of their offseason priorities for 2025. While other positions, such as offensive line and pass rush, are expected to take precedence, lingering concerns over Jaquan Brisker's health may push the safety position higher on the list. With veteran Kevin Byard's age and potential cap savings looming, the Bears could be forced to reassess their strategy.

One name that stands out in free agency is Jevon Holland, a rising star from the Miami Dolphins. Holland, who will become an unrestricted free agent, is regarded as one of the top free agents available. His impressive performance in 2024 has made him a prime target for teams in need of a dynamic safety.

PFF's NFL Week 17 Team of the Week has been unveiled, showcasing standout players based on performance grades and snap counts. The selections highlight those who not only excelled in their individual performances but also demonstrated consistency over a significant number of plays. The criteria emphasize the importance of maintaining high performance levels, which is crucial in the competitive landscape of the NFL.

Leading the offensive lineup is quarterback Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals, who delivered an outstanding performance against the Denver Broncos, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards. His efforts were pivotal in keeping the Bengals' playoff hopes alive. Joining him in the offensive spotlight are notable players like Derrick Henry from the Baltimore Ravens and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers from the New York Giants, who had a remarkable game against the Indianapolis Colts.

On the defensive side, edge rusher Nolan Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles made a significant impact against the Dallas Cowboys, achieving an impressive run-defense grade. His ability to disrupt plays was complemented by strong performances from other defensive players, including Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns and John Franklin-Myers of the Denver Broncos. The special teams also made their mark with standout players like kicker Cam Little from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

This week's selections demonstrate the depth of talent across the league, with players rising to the occasion in critical moments as the season heads into its final stretch.