The Chicago Bears are taking significant steps forward after a disappointing 2024 season that ended with a 5-12 record. New head coach Ben Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is expected to breathe new life into the team's offense and help quarterback Caleb Williams find his footing. With the Bears holding three picks in the top 41 of the upcoming NFL draft and ample cap space, they are poised to make impactful changes this offseason.

Key players like wide receiver Keenan Allen and tight end Marcedes Lewis are facing uncertain futures, while the team aims to shore up glaring weaknesses on both offensive and defensive fronts. The offensive line is particularly crucial, having allowed Williams to be sacked a league-high 68 times in his rookie campaign. Johnson’s innovative play-calling will be essential for the Bears to maximize their potential in 2025.

The Chicago Bears face significant challenges in their tight end department, highlighted by their 512 combined receiving yards in 2024, ranking them fifth lowest in the league. With a rookie quarterback at the helm and a coaching staff seemingly disinterested in utilizing the tight end position, the Bears must confront the reality of their shortcomings. Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and Marcedes Lewis have underperformed, prompting a search for potential upgrades.

Options include veterans like Zach Ertz, who had 66 receptions and seven touchdowns with the Washington Commanders. His rapport with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels raises questions about whether Bears GM Ryan Poles will invest in a seasoned tight end. Mike Gesicki from the Cincinnati Bengals and Austin Hooper from the New England Patriots are also viable options, each having demonstrated productive seasons. However, the tight end class in the upcoming draft appears thin, with only a couple of potential first-round talents.

The Chicago Bears have appointed 28-year-old Declan Doyle as their new offensive coordinator, igniting a mix of excitement and confusion among fans. Doyle, previously the tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos, is seen as a young talent who could potentially ascend the NFL coaching ranks. While he will assist head coach Ben Johnson with organizing the game plan, Doyle will not be calling plays. Instead, Johnson is expected to handle those duties, setting the stage for a collaborative effort between the two. Johnson emphasized the need for his coaching staff to prepare for long hours, a sentiment that aligns with Doyle's experience under Sean Payton. The age gap between Doyle and veteran players like Marcedes Lewis, who could be 41 by next season, adds an element of humor to the situation.

The 2024 season proved disheartening for the Chicago Bears, concluding with a disappointing 5-12 record. The franchise's high hopes for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams turned into a tumultuous journey, prompting the search for a new head coach to guide the team forward. Central to the upcoming offseason will be the challenge of managing free agency, with thirteen players on the verge of unrestricted free agency. General Manager Ryan Poles faces critical decisions on which of these players to prioritize.

Among the top candidates for re-signing is veteran receiver Keenan Allen. Although he may not be at his peak, Allen's experience could provide stability as Williams continues to develop. Offensive lineman Teven Jenkins also represents a significant consideration despite his injury concerns. If Jenkins can agree to a performance-based contract, he could be valuable. Furthermore, long snapper Patrick Scales, approaching his 37th birthday, should remain a priority given his role in the team's special teams.

Other players worthy of a re-signing effort include DeAndre Carter, who offers special teams versatility, and Darrell Taylor, who has shown promise as a situational pass rusher since joining the Bears. Running back Travis Homer also adds depth, particularly given the fragility often seen in the position.

On the other hand, several players may be let go, including Coleman Shelton and Larry Borom, who have failed to impress. Veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, once a stabilizing presence, may also be deemed expendable as younger leaders emerge. The Bears face a pivotal offseason, requiring strategic choices to build a more competitive team.

Jim Benkert, the football coach at Simi Valley High, recounts how he discovered defensive end Izak Simpson during a basketball game. Encouraged by Benkert, Simpson transitioned from basketball to football and has since excelled, recording 14 sacks last season and 15 this season as his team heads into the Southern Section Division 3 championship.

Despite a family history in football, including a grandfather who played for the Dallas Cowboys, Simpson initially focused on basketball. He now expresses his happiness with the sport and his teammates. Meanwhile, Mater Dei's Raul Lara praises this year's Monarchs team as his most talented yet, while Oxnard Pacifica prepares for a Division 4 final against St. Bonaventure, buoyed by standout performances from Savion Taylor and Isaiah Dillon.