With 2025 NFL training camps set to open, it's time to get up to speed on all 32 NFL teams. Kevin Patra has the lowdown on position battles, key players and notable subplots across the NFC North.
Catch up on the Chicago Bears' offseason developments and 2025 outlook below.
Training Camp Dates/Information
- Players report: July 19 (rookies); July 22 (veterans)
- Location: Halas Hall | Lake Forest, Illinois (fan information)
Notable Roster Changes
| 2025 draft class | Selection |
|---|---|
| Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan | Round 1 (No. 10 overall) |
| Luther Burden, WR, Missouri | Round 2 (No. 39) |
| Ozzy Trapilo, OL, Boston College | Round 2 (No. 56) |
| Shemar Turner, DE, Texas A&M | Round 2 (No. 62) |
| Ruben Hyppolite, LB, Maryland | Round 4 (No. 132) |
| Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA | Round 5 (No. 169) |
| Luke Newman, OG, Michigan State | Round 6 (No. 195) |
| Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers | Round 7 (No. 233) |
Preseason Schedule
- Week 1: at Miami Dolphins | Sunday, Aug. 10 at 1 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
- Week 2: vs. Buffalo Bills | Sunday, Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. (FOX)
- Week 3: at Kansas City Chiefs | Thursday, Aug. 22 at 8:20 p.m. ET
2025 Schedule Note
- The Bears are one of just seven teams that are not scheduled to play on a Thursday this season. However, they will play the Eagles on Black Friday.
-- NFL Research
What You Need To Know
1) A new hope wafts through Chicago like a dense fog rolling in off Lake Michigan. The arrival of Ben Johnson created a palpable buzz around the Bears that an offense perpetually stuck in the mud might finally take flight. Johnson proved in his three seasons calling plays in Detroit that he can manufacture explosives on the ground and through the air. It was more than just the gadget or trick plays. Johnson's intelligence and play sequencing are some of the best in the NFL. Like a good boxer who can set up a knockout punch, Johnson knows how to counter a defense. The Bears stealing Johnson from a division rival is the most significant coup for quarterback Caleb Williams, who experienced a rollercoaster rookie season. It's been an incredible offseason for Williams. His new coach and offense are a massive improvement. The offensive line was dramatically rebuilt and should be the most improved blocking group in the league. The additions of tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III provide dynamic playmaking to grow with the young signal-caller. Everything is built for Williams to thrive in 2025. Hey, maybe the Bears will finally join modern football, with a QB throwing for 4,000 yards for the first time in club history. One question entering camp is the running back rotation. Chicago didn't add a back until Kyle Monangai in the seventh round. Will D'Andre Swift bounce back behind a better offensive line? Will Roschon Johnson play the David Montgomery role in Johnson's offense? We know the new coach wants to lean on the ground game to springboard the passing attack, but does he have the horses in Chicago?
2) The Bears drafted three second-rounders in 2025. Normally, that's not a notable fact in mid-July. However, this season, there is a holdup on second-round picks signing their contracts (as of publication, 30 remain unsigned). The delay stems from the top two second-rounders receiving fully guaranteed contracts -- the first in NFL history to do so. For the Bears, the standoff is significant with receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and defensive tackle Shemar Turner all in line for prominent roles out of the gate. (Editor's note: Turner agreed to his rookie contract on Thursday after this story was published.) If the issue remains unresolved, pushing into August, we could see the rookies' presence early in the season curtailed -- Bears fans will remember Roquan Smith starting his rookie season on a pitch count after an elongated contract dispute. Missed time in camp is significant for first-year players. We haven't seen Burden on the field since he suffered a soft tissue injury in rookie minicamp. Trapilo could be in a position to battle for the left tackle gig if Braxton Jones isn't healthy.
3) The biggest camp battle in Chicago could be the left tackle job. Braxton Jones fractured his ankle in December and didn't participate this offseason. Jones was solid in 2024, allowing 26 pressures in 12 games. The injury could open the door for Ozzy Trapilo to swipe the gig, particularly if Jones isn't healthy to open the season. Obviously, if the second-rounder remains unsigned and Jones can't practice, the LT gig becomes an even bigger question. 2024 third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie struggled mightily when tossed into the fire last season but should get a clean slate under Ben Johnson. Another competition to keep an eye on is at the corner position, where Tyrique Stevenson will attempt to avoid being unseated by Terell Smith and rookie Zah Frazier for the starting gig opposite Jaylon Johnson and nickel back Kyler Gordon.
