The Chicago Bears are heading into what might be their most pivotal offseason yet under general manager Ryan Poles. After a 2025 campaign that exceeded expectations-thanks to a standout rookie class and key veteran additions-the Bears now face the challenge that separates good teams from great ones: sustaining success without the benefit of top-tier draft capital or a wide-open salary cap.
Let’s be clear-last year was a major step forward. The rookie trio of Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Kyle Monangai didn’t just contribute; they helped shape the identity of the team.
And the offensive line? Reinforcements like Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson gave the unit a level of consistency and toughness that’s been missing in Chicago for years.
The Bears showed they could hang in the NFC. Now the question is: how do they take that next step?
The answer likely lies in which team-building philosophy the front office leans into. And there are two clear paths ahead.
Option 1: The Draft-and-Develop Route
This is the traditionalist’s blueprint-build from the ground up. Retain your first-round picks, invest in scouting, and trust your coaching staff to mold young talent into long-term contributors.
It’s not flashy, but it’s effective when done right. Just ask the Packers, Steelers, or Ravens-organizations that have stayed competitive for decades by sticking to this model.
For the Bears, this path would mean continuing to build through the draft, developing players on rookie deals, and maintaining roster flexibility. It’s a long-term play, but one that can create a sustainable winning window if the evaluations are sharp and the coaching staff delivers.
It’s also worth noting that this approach aligns with the backgrounds of the Bears’ front office leaders. Ryan Poles came up in Kansas City, a team that’s leaned heavily on the draft to build its core.
Assistant GM Ian Cunningham has Baltimore roots-another organization known for letting the draft do the heavy lifting. Both have seen firsthand how a patient, disciplined approach can pay off.
Option 2: The “Forget the Picks” Strategy
Then there’s the aggressive route-what some call the “F*** Them Picks” method. This is the all-in, chips-on-the-table style that prioritizes proven talent over potential.
The Rams turned this into an art form between 2018 and 2021, moving five first-round picks to acquire Brandin Cooks, Jalen Ramsey, and Matthew Stafford. The result?
Two Super Bowl appearances and one Lombardi Trophy.
This strategy doesn’t ignore the draft entirely-it just uses it differently. First-rounders become trade currency, while later-round picks and compensatory selections are used to fill out the depth chart.
It’s bold, risky, and not for the faint of heart. But when it hits, it can catapult a team from playoff hopeful to championship contender in a hurry.
Would the Bears consider this route? It’s possible, but less likely.
Poles and Cunningham haven’t shown a strong appetite for blockbuster trades. Their moves so far suggest a preference for building methodically rather than gambling big.
So while fans dreaming of a splashy trade might be hoping for fireworks, the front office seems more inclined to stick with a steady flame.
The Bottom Line
The Bears are in a rare and promising position. They’ve built a foundation that can compete now, but they’re also young and flexible enough to keep growing. Whether they double down on the draft or swing big for veteran stars, the next few months will be critical in shaping the team’s trajectory.
No matter which direction they choose, one thing is clear: the Bears are no longer rebuilding. They’re building toward something. And if they make the right calls this offseason, that “something” might just be a deep playoff run-or more.