The Bear’s Den, April 3, 2025

Bears shifting direction on stadium back to Arlington Heights?

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THE DAILY SPONGIE SPECIAL

DENMASTER KEN’S VIDEO GRAB BAG

BEARSSSSSS

Bears Left Tackle Situation Uncertain as New-Look Offensive Line Takes Shape – BN – The Chicago Bears could see things shaken up on the offensive line in 2025 — specifically at left tackle.

Caleb Williams’ First Test Has Been Laid Out By New Bears Coach Ben Johnson – BN – Caleb Williams and the Bears offense will undergo at least one significant change when it hits the field in 2025.

Canellis: Bears all in on Arlington Heights for new stadium – 670 – Fox 32 sports anchor Lou Canellis had long hoped and thought the Bears would work out a deal with the city and state to build a new stadium along the lakefront, but he no longer believes that.

McCaskeys ‘intend to own the Bears for as long as possible’ – 670 – Bears chairman George McCaskey and his family plan on maintaining ownership of the franchise “for as long as possible,” he told reporters at the NFL owners meetings Wednesday.

Bears’ stadium tone shifts: ‘The focus now is both downtown and Arlington Heights’ – Chicago Sun-Times – The Bears own 326 acres in Arlington Heights.

George McCaskey says family wants to own Bears for ‘another 100 years’ – Chicago Sun-Times – In his first public comments since his mom’s death, the chairman said there will be no shift in ownership structure.

Bears voted in favor of Tush Push ban proposed by Packers – Chicago Sun-Times – The Packers proposed banning the play, which was used mostly by the Super Bowl champion Eagles and Bills last year. McCaskey joked that he didn’t like agreeing with the Bears’ rival.

Chicago Bears stadium: Is momentum shifting to Arlington Heights? – Chicago Tribune – Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren confirmed at the NFL owners meetings that the team no longer has a singular focus on building its new stadium downtown.

Bears shift focus on new stadium location to Arlington Heights; downtown still in play – The Athletic – After a year of talk about building a new stadium on the museum campus downtown, the Bears are shifting focus back to Arlington Heights.

Chicago Bears’ 2024 rookie class earns frustrating ranking after one season – SI – The Chicago Bears’ 2024 draft class entered the league with as much hype as any in the NFL last season, but their performance didn’t live up to expectations, according to this ranking.

Ben Johnson providing 2025 fantasy football boost to Chicago Bears wide receivers – SI – Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson is having an unintended positive impact on DJ Moore and Rome Odunze’s 2025 fantasy football outlook.

Unsung back who could fit into Chicago Bears draft wheelhouse – SI – NFL analyst Chris Simms has completed his look at running backs and sees a surprise player as third best, which would put him in prime position to be selected by the Bears.

George McCaskey Sounds Off on Bears Ownership Succession Plan, Stadium, More – BN – Bears Chairman George McCaskey spoke publicly for the first time since the death of his mother, Virginia Halas McCaskey.

Chicago Bears spending a lot on defense, so expectations are high – Windy City Gridiron – How are the NFC North teams spending their money on defense? We break down where the Bears’ spend and their cohorts in this SB Nation series.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Dash To The Draft 2025 (NFC North Draft Preview with Jacob Infante) by Sports Krunch w/DKROM – What do you think the basic characteristics are that Ben Johnson covets in a player, and how does a Chicago Bear under Ben Johnson differ from a Chicago Bear under Matt Eberflus?

Talks regarding 18th game could start soon – NBC Sports – Negotiations could begin in June or July.

NFL tweaks definition of a hip-drop tackle, allowing for more fines in 2025 – NBC Sports – The NFL wants hip-drop tackles out of the game completely.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

2025 NFL Draft: Participate in an Interactive Mock Draft! – Windy City Gridiron – Help figure out who the Chicago Bears will draft at 10!

Aaron Leming’s Chicago Bears Mock Draft 3.0 (It’s Finally April!) – Windy City Gridiron – April is finally here and the 2025 NFL Draft is getting closer. With the free agency dust all but settled, the Chicago Bears will be one of 32 teams that will be locking in their draft boards over the next week or two. In his second to last seven round mock draft, Aaron Leming is putting a lot of value into Day 2.

Bears’ Ben Johnson plans to put Caleb Williams under center more – Windy City Gridiron – Johnson’s increased emphasis on putting Williams under center could make the Bears’ offense much tougher to defend.

Chicago Bears spending a lot on defense, so expectations are high – Windy City Gridiron – How are the NFC North teams spending their money on defense? We break down where the Bears’ spend and their cohorts in this SB Nation series.

Chicago Bears Building Block or Not: Offensive Line – Windy City Gridiron – The Bears have remade their offensive line, how long will these guys be around?

NFL on-field measurements changing with Sony Hawk-Eye Technology in 2025 – Windy City Gridiron – The new method will be the primary means of measuring the line to gain in 2025.

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