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The Chicago Bears had a remarkable season in 2025, rising from last place in the NFC North to a first-place finish that saw them earn the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
After winning the division title that saw them feature multiple come-from-behind victories, the Bears earned a dramatic comeback victory over the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round. The Bears trailed 21-3 at halftime in that game, but Caleb Williams turned his first half difficulties around and lit up the Packers in the 4th quarter to earn a 31-27 triumph.
Williams nearly pulled off another miracle finish in the divisional playoffs against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams when he threw a 4th-down TD pass to tight end Cole Kmet with 18 seconds remaining. That 14-yard TD pass was actually a 40-plus yard throw because Williams retreated 25 yards before he heaved a balloon-like throw that settled in Kmet’s arms.
The Bears had a chance to win in overtime, but a miscommunication between Williams and top receiver D.J. Moore resulted in an interception. The Rams took advantage and went down the field and won the game with a field goal in the extra session.
While the finish was a disappointment, the Bears appear to be on the right track thanks to Williams and head coach Ben Johnson at the helm. The Bears also had a much-improved offensive line, a solid crew of wide receivers and one of the top running attacks in the league.
One of the things that the Bears did not have was an excellent defense. That unit had some moments and excelled at forcing turnovers — league-leading 33 takeaways — but the Bears gave up 24.4 points per game and that ranked 23rd in the league.
The Bears will need to make multiple moves in free agency and the 2026 Draft, but they should also trade for Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Porter had 52 tackles, 14 passes defensed and 1 interception this season. He just completed his 3rd year in Pittsburgh and he has been a solid cover man in each season. He has also demonstrated that he is a solid tackler.
Porter is also under contract for the 2026 season. He is scheduled to earn $3.96 million in the upcoming season and he would be an excellent fit for the Bears.
The Bears need Porter because they are likely to have several holes that they will have to fill in the secondary. Safety Kevin Byard was a first-team All-Pro as he led the NFL in picks with 7. He will be a free agent, and he will have the opportunity to go to the highest bidder. The Bears will certainly get some consideration, but they don’t have the cap space to make him the kind of lucrative offer that other teams will have. Overthecap.com estimates that 21 other teams will have more cap space than the...
