The Chicago Bears have had a clear vision of how they wanted this offseason to look, and they have executed it in free agency. While the public may never know how well it went compared to what they wanted to do going in, it is safe to say their free agent haul so far has been noteworthy.
Chicago added four Super Bowls, three Pro Bowls, and two All-Pro selections, and that is just one player. On Wednesday, three new Bears – Grady Jarrett, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson – met the media.
Bears Grady Jarrett, Joe Thuney & Jonah Jackson Introduce at Start of Free Agency
Bears DL Grady Jarrett Steals the Show After Short Surprise Free Agency
Jarrett was introduced last, but it is impossible to come away from the day thinking anyone other than him was the man of the hour.
The two-time Pro Bowler and former Atlanta Falcons star spoke with passion, clarity, and appropriate humor while discussing a situation that came together roughly 24 hours before he took the stage.
Jarrett also held court the longest in the post-introductory press conference standup scrum.
He answered every question with the same qualities – and energy – as before, underscoring how eager he was to get going.
What happens behind Jarrett remains unclear. The Bears still have Andrew Billings, Chris Williams, Gervon Dexter, and Zacch Pickens under contract for 2025. Billings was the elder statesman of the group before Jarrett’s arrival.
The “Juggernaut” – or “Big Bill” – is also entering the final year of his contract.
He is the only other true nose tackle-type on the roster along with Jarrett, though. Dexter started last season and took a significant step forward in his second season.
Pickens, who was drafted in the same class as Dexter, has not progressed as linearly as his fellow third-year player. Meanwhile, Williams flashed in a reserve role in 2024 but is probably best suited for a DT4/5 role.
Joe Thuney’s Understated Confidence
Thuney is the most accomplished among the three, and the owner of the previously mentioned one-man award show.
And yet, a casual fan might not recognize him on the street. He is obviously a large individual, fitting for an offensive lineman. But Thuney speaks with an unassuming manner and – like all players joining new teams – was eager to get started.
Thuney spoke to Clocker Sports about being fueled by the Chiefs’ Super Bowl loss.
Thuney’s flexibility gives the Bears an understated weapon.
His move to left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs made headlines in 2024. But Thuney also played center for the New England Patriots.
Jonah Jackson Over ‘Freak’ Accident
It is not often that a player who many would consider a free agency “bust” of 2024 as a trade “success” just one year later, especially after they played in just four games the season between the two transactions.
That is where Jonah Jackson finds himself after his one year with the Los Angeles Rams, following what he called a “freak” injury, sharing that it is often associated with car accidents.
Jackson, who is over the injury, spoke about how key versatility is to offensive linemen.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson said it is their job to get Jackson, a one-time Pro Bowler, back to that level.
Johnson said he wanted to add “grit” to the front. After one day – of only talking – it at least sounds like they have done that, which matches the majority of the tape on all three players.
Bears Draft Needs Gain Clarity
One of the most notable mentions of the day was of left tackle Braxton Jones. Often a speculative candidate for replacement, both Jackson and Thuney noted how highly they thought of Jones and bookend Darnell Wright multiplied times.
The Bears have yet to introduce the trio of Dayo Odeyingbo, Drew Dalman, and Durham Smythe, but they check boxes at EDGE, center, and tight end.
The Bears have already poured resources into cornerback, receiver, and quarterback.
All signs, it would seem, point to addressing another need: running back. Johnson had 2024 starter D’Andre Swift in Detroit on the Lions, and the Bears have former fifth-round pick Roschon Johnson on the roster as well.
However, do not be surprised if they come away with the 2025 NFL Draft’s No. 1 running back, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, with the No. 10 overall pick if they keep it.
Remember: Johnson’s Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 overall in 2023 and this offseason has his fingerprints on it.
Jeanty is a different style of back, but he could have a similar impact for the Bears behind an offensive line they revamped in free agency and thee trade market. The Bears hired Johnson largely to get the most out of quarterback Caleb Williams, and getting the running game (25th in 2204) back on track is a good way to do it.