Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: What is Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles' Number One Priority to Address this Offseason?
Date: January 22, 2026
Hosts: Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola

Episode Overview

This episode, hosted by Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola, dives deep into the Chicago Bears' offseason priorities, focusing heavily on roster evaluation, pending free agents, and the critical need at left tackle due to Ozzy Chapillo’s injury. The hosts dissect the end-of-year press conferences, speculate on the future roles of key players, discuss the upcoming schedule release, and react candidly to an ESPN list of top NFL MVP candidates. The tone oscillates between analytical and irreverent Bears-fan banter, but the underlying message is clear: solving left tackle is job one for Ben Johnson, Ryan Poles, and the 2026 Chicago Bears.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections on Season’s End and Viewership Surge (00:23–03:34)

• The Bears’ postseason ended with a “fairly uneventful quick press conference,” as Ben Johnson declared the team is “already on to 2026” and starting from scratch to improve.
• TV ratings for Bears playoff games broke records, with the Bears-Rams drawing an average of 45.4 million viewers—an indication the Bears will be featured often in primetime next season.
  • “Get ready for some late nights next season.” (Bernstein, 01:50)
  • The hosts joke about having to plan Thanksgiving around a likely Bears-Lions matchup.

2. Schedule Release Anticipation (02:51–03:34)

• Dan expresses excitement for the schedule release for the first time in years, feeling invested both professionally and as a fan expecting a big season.
  • Matt boldly predicts a 13-4 season, to which Dan responds with playful skepticism.

3. Offseason Personnel Moves: Future/Reserve Contracts & Free Agents (06:41–16:05)

• Discussion shifts to Bears’ roster management, including future/reserve contracts (e.g., Maurice Alexander, Britton Brown, etc.).
• Detailed breakdown of unrestricted free agents (UFAs), with focus on:
  • Safeties: Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard—hosts debate who is a priority to keep.
    • “If you had to pick one between Brisker and Bayard, I think you gotta go younger.” (Bernstein, 13:20)
    • “As much as I would not want to lose [Byard’s] leadership ... if I’m forced to pick one of the two, I would pick Brisker.” (Abbatacola, 13:30)
  • Cornerback: Concerns about overpaying for cornerback Nishan Wright after a statistically anomalous season.
  • Returners/Wide Receivers: Both feel Bears can upgrade from Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay, and suggest possible replacements, including Khalif Raymond (Lions).
• The health and future of promising young DB Terrell Smith is also a factor in secondary decisions.

4. Offensive Line and Left Tackle Concerns (21:14–26:09)

• Ozzy Chapillo’s injury (expected to keep him out “deep into next year”) creates an urgent need at left tackle.
  • “You cannot look at Ozzy Chapillo as part of your 2026 season. You can't.” (Abbatacola, 23:53)
  • The hosts agree that neither internal options like Braxton Jones nor Theo Benedict are viable solutions, stressing the necessity for outside additions—either via the draft or free agency.
  • “That guy right now is not on your roster ... They’re going to have to address that. And that’s got to be a priority.” (Abbatacola, 26:02)

5. Exploring Free Agent Options for Left Tackle (25:01–25:52)

• Names floated include Cam Robinson (30), Kelvin Beachum (36), and Andrew Wiley (31).
• Dan notes that a veteran free agent could make sense, especially with Super Bowl contention in mind.

6. The MVP Value List – ESPN’s Seth Walder (27:03–36:08)

• Matt brings up ESPN’s Seth Walder’s “Top 100 Real NFL MVP Candidates for 2025,” focusing on “value above average at their position.”
• Surprise and consternation: First Bear on the list is Darnell Wright (#41), followed by Joe Thuney (#44). No Caleb Williams in the top 100.
  • “You can’t have a top 100 list of value over average ... and then the numbers haven’t found a way to properly explain what Caleb Williams does and when he does it.” (Bernstein, 32:11)
  • Hosts are incredulous that Sam Darnold is included but not Caleb Williams.
  • “If you’re going to lay out the top 100 players for the 2025 season and Caleb Williams not to be in the top 100 ... That is incorrect.” (Abbatacola, 32:46)

7. Coaching Staff Speculation (36:08–38:09)

• Speculation over OC under Ben Johnson—possible hires include Will Long (from Boston College) and movement involving Declan Doyle and Al Harris.
• Acknowledgment that how the staff rounds out could impact development at key roster spots.

8. Crystalizing the Top Offseason Priority: Solve Left Tackle (38:09–41:49)

• Both agree Chapillo’s injury fundamentally changes the offseason priority list—left tackle must be addressed with a high-end solution.
  • “Your biggest gap right now on your championship roster is left tackle.” (Abbatacola, 41:44)
  • Strong caution not to mess with the right side of the line (“guard through right tackle is solid ... one of the best units in football”—Abbatacola, 39:38).

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the Bears’ Newfound Stardom:
  • “Get ready for some late nights next season.” (Bernstein, 01:50)
• On the Importance of Left Tackle:
  • "You cannot look at Ozzy Chapillo as part of your 2026 season. You can't.” (Abbatacola, 23:53)
  • “That’s got to be a priority. It has to be.” (Abbatacola, 26:09)
• On ESPN’s MVP Snub:
  • “You can’t have a top 100 list of value over average ... and then the numbers haven’t found a way to properly explain what Caleb Williams does and when he does it.” (Bernstein, 32:11)
  • “That is incorrect.” (Abbatacola, 32:46)
• On Roster Philosophy Shift:
  • “Where this year started as a rebuild of a rebuild, it blew past that ... The context of everything changed.” (Bernstein, 40:34)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:23 — Season Postmortem & Ben Johnson’s Outlook
• 01:50 — Bears’ Primetime/Island Game Forecast
• 06:41 — Status of Future/Reserve Contracts & Initial Free Agent List
• 13:20 — Safety Room Decisions: Brisker vs. Bayard
• 21:14 — Ozzy Chapillo’s Injury & Immediate OL Implications
• 25:52 — Free Agent LT Options
• 27:03 — ESPN MVP Snub: Darnell Wright, Joe Thuney, and No Caleb Williams
• 36:08 — Coaching Staff News
• 38:41 — Hard Line on LT as Offseason Priority

Takeaway

The Chicago Bears have a championship-caliber right-side offensive line and a huge hole at left tackle, making that the unambiguous top priority for GM Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson this offseason. With Chapillo sidelined and no proven in-house options, signing or drafting a high-end left tackle is essential. Everything else—including the futures of key free agents and coaching moves—pales in comparison to this urgent roster need. As Dan and Matt hammer home, the team’s timeline and context have changed: the window is now, and the Bears must act accordingly.

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