As of Monday, July 14, 2025, the Chicago Bears are just over a week away from the start of training camp, with rookies reporting on July 19th. Here’s a summary of the latest news and key storylines:
Training Camp is Here! The wait is almost over. Rookies report on July 19th, and the veterans reporting on July 22nd. The Bears have announced 11 open practices for the public at Halas Hall, beginning July 25th, and Family Fest at Soldier Field on August 3rd.
Joe Thuney: A Crucial Addition: Shaw Local has identified newly acquired guard Joe Thuney as the No. 5 most important Bear heading into the 2025 season. Acquired via trade and then extended, Thuney brings veteran leadership and winning experience to a revamped offensive line. His impact is expected to be felt throughout the entire roster, not just the offensive line.
Offensive Line Overhaul: The Bears have invested significantly in their offensive line this offseason, trading for Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and signing center Drew Dalman. This is a critical move to protect Caleb Williams, who faced high pressure and sacks in his rookie year. The focus now is on gelling as a unit before the season starts.
Gervon Dexter’s Pivotal Season: Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. is considered a crucial piece for the 2025 defense. In his third season, Dexter is expected to take on a larger leadership role and continue his growth in Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme, focusing on interior pressure.
Edge Rusher Concerns Persist: Despite additions, some analysts believe the Bears are taking a “risky approach” with their edge rusher depth behind Montez Sweat. This continues to fuel speculation about potential veteran free agent targets like Matthew Judon or Za’Darius Smith, though no new names have emerged recently.
Rookie Cornerback Zah Frazier to Watch: Fifth-round rookie cornerback Zah Frazier is being highlighted as a potential under-the-radar player who could surprise in training camp. He’s impressed in offseason programs and could compete for backup snaps.
Still Unsigned Second-Rounders: The most pressing issue for the Bears right now is the ongoing contract dispute with all three of their second-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft: wide receiver Luther Burden III, offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, and defensive tackle Shemar Turner.
League-Wide Trend: This is not just a Bears issue, but part of a league-wide trend where agents for second-round picks are holding out for fully guaranteed contracts, following precedents set by other teams.
Impact on Development: Missing training camp reps could significantly hurt these rookies’ chances to win starting jobs and disrupt key positional battles. Head coach Ben Johnson has already publicly stressed the importance of these players building trust and chemistry with teammates. Luther Burden’s situation is particularly concerning as he was already dealing with a soft-tissue injury during the offseason, meaning he’s already behind.
Running Back Room: While D’Andre Swift is the starter, the running back position will be closely evaluated in camp. There’s even talk of the Bears potentially targeting a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft as a long-term plan, given Swift’s contract situation.
The Bears are entering training camp with significant optimism surrounding Caleb Williams and the revamped offense, but the unresolved rookie contracts will be a critical storyline to monitor as practices begin.
