Few position groups have faced as much scrutiny in recent seasons as the Chicago Bears’ offensive line. While it’s well-known that Caleb Williams endured a staggering 68 sacks during his rookie season, the underlying numbers reveal just how deeply rooted the issues were. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked the Bears’ offensive line 24th out of 32 teams last season, grading them 12th-worst in pass-blocking efficiency (84.1). ESPN’s analytics painted a mixed picture, with the unit ranking 15th in pass block win rate (60%) and a more respectable 8th in run block win rate (73%).
The problem, besides the talent on the offensive line, was the lack of durability. The Bears’ most-used offensive line combination last season played together for only 34.9% of the snaps, which was 20th in the NFL. That’s a recipe for disaster, especially with a rookie quarterback. Recognizing the urgency, Ryan Poles delivered thus far, investing millions into a makeover up front.
Inside the Bears’ Offensive Line $70 Million Makeover
A Strategic Approach to a Costly Problem
Poles has quietly executed a calculated overhaul of the offensive line without falling into the trap of overpaying during free agency. Understanding the inflated guard market, he opted for the trade route, acquiring Jonah Jackson from the Rams for a 2025 sixth-round pick and Joe Thuney from the Chiefs in exchange for a 2026 fourth-rounder. Some teams paid the price (literally), like the Packers giving 49ers guard Aaron Banks a massive four-year, $77 million deal.
Thuney, a future Hall of Famer, allowed just a 4.4% pressure rate, the third-lowest among all qualified left guards. Jackson, despite a forgetful stint in Los Angeles, has handled one-on-one matchups on 56.0% of his blocks, the third-highest rate among interior linemen from 2020-2023. With the guard positions settled, the Bears were able to zone in on highly coveted free agent center Drew Dalman and lock him up on a three-year, $42 million deal. An excellent run blocker posting a 93.0 outside zone blocking grade since 2022, Dalman has allowed a mere 4.0% pressure rate among qualified centers.
From 31st to 4th: Bears’ O-Line Budget Signals Philosophical Shift
The investment marks a dramatic change in how the Bears allocate resources to the offensive line. Last season, Chicago ranked 31st in offensive line spending, devoting just 9% of the salary cap ($23.6M in cap space and $23.9M in cash). In contrast, they now sit fourth in the league, committing $66M in cap and $70M in cash, behind only the Panthers, Chiefs, and Giants. It’s a much-needed financial commitment to an area of importance.
The Bears Are Not Done Yet
With an offensive unit comprised of Braxton Jones, Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson, and Darnell Wright, fans should feel more assured that Caleb Williams won’t get sacked 68 times next season. However, that doesn’t mean the Bears are done investing at the position. With Jones suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 16’s loss to the Lions, he may not be 100% healthy for the start of this season. Not just that, he’s heading into the final year of his rookie deal, and the Bears may look to draft his replacement. It could happen with the 10th pick, or in later rounds. Either way, the Bears need depth on the offensive line, and the team will likely add some during the NFL Draft.
There’s a lot to look forward to next season with the revamped offensive line, and the hope is that the new additions will have a vital impact on what the Bears want to accomplish on offense.
Main Image: Eric Canha – USA Today Sports
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