Coach Ben Johnson and his staff figure to have a say in matters, too. They have worked with Poles the last two weeks in acquiring offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman, defensive linemen Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett and backup tight end Durham Smythe.

The Bears have three new starters on their offensive line, possibly two more on defense and the draft is still six weeks away.

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles and his head coach Ben Johnson met with the media on Wednesday, moments after the 2025 league year began, and took questions about their most recent additions to the team.