Ryan Poles' strategic acquisitions of the offensive and defensive lines are proving their worth. Discover how these moves are transforming the Bears' season.
The Chicago Bears were big spenders in the offseason, and it's beginning to pay off.
The Bears recognized the importance of having a solid offensive and defensive line, and it was evident in their offseason deals. Chicago traded for former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney and former Los Angeles Rams offensive lineman Jonah Jackson.
Ryan Poles then signed offensive lineman Drew Dalman in free agency, bolstering the offensive line even more.
He didn't stop there, adding former Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Grady Jarrett and former Indianapolis Colts pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo
Thuney was traded to Chicago after the Bears sent a fourth-round pick to Kansas City, and it is paying dividends. Thuney led the league in pass protection effectiveness in Week 9 and is currently seventh overall in that stat in the 2025 season.
Thuney was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of NC State by the New England Patriots. He spent five seasons with New England before heading to Kansas City, where he spent 2021-24.
He has been a model of consistency since coming to the NFL, not missing a single game in his 10-year NFL career. This season for the Bears is no different, as he has played in and started every game.
Fans are not used to Poles' moves paying off this well. Bears fans know the Chase Claypool trade well.
Claypool was acquired in the 2022 NFL trade deadline by the Bears for a second-round pick after recording 2,044 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in his three years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He then struggled to fit in with the Bears and recorded 140 receiving yards and one touchdown in the seven games he played with Chicago in 2022.
Claypool struggled even more in 2023, only playing in three games and recording 51 receiving yards before being traded to the Miami Dolphins for a seventh-round pick.
He was last with the Buffalo Bills in 2024 but missed the entire season with a toe injury.
It's great to see that Poles has learned from his past mistakes, especially at Tuesday's trade deadline. The Bears went after former Cleveland Browns pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, only giving up a sixth-round pick for him. Chicago received a seventh-round pick in return.
The offseason additions continue providing for Chicago and will need to as crucial divisional games are coming up against the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.