The Chicago Bears are on the cusp of a new era, but their rebuilding efforts are far from complete. As the team looks to the future, much of their focus is on ensuring the success of their new quarterback, Caleb Williams. The Bears have invested significantly in surrounding Williams with talented skill players and have made promising additions to their defense, particularly at linebacker and cornerback through recent drafts.
However, the success of Williams, and ultimately the team, hinges heavily on the protection he receives from the offensive line. At present, the offensive line appears to be a significant concern, particularly at the center position. Ryan Bates is currently listed as the starting center, with Coleman Shelton also in contention for the role. Both players, who are entering their sixth year in the league, could potentially perform well, but the Bears might need to consider a more experienced and reliable option for the upcoming season.
One of the most compelling solutions could be the acquisition of a four-time Pro Bowl center. According to a recent prediction from Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department, the Bears are expected to target Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly in the 2025 free agency period. Kelly, who was drafted by the Colts in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, has spent his entire career in Indianapolis.
Kelly, who will turn 32 in May, is considered a top-tier option to address the Bears’ center position, which is currently viewed as one of the team’s most significant weaknesses. The Bleacher Report analysis highlights that Kelly could be a crucial asset for the Bears, especially given his impressive performance last season. According to Pro Football Focus, Kelly allowed just seven pressures in 2023, underscoring his reliability and effectiveness on the field.
In addition to his four Pro Bowl selections, Kelly was named a second-team All-Pro in 2020. Over his nine-year career, he has started 111 games, demonstrating consistency and durability. His performance metrics are also noteworthy, with just 1.6% of his blocks resulting in failures, and he has accumulated 184 total points earned, as reported by Sports Info Solutions.
For the Bears, securing a player of Kelly’s caliber would be a strategic move to ensure that Caleb Williams has the protection he needs to thrive. With a projected $73 million in cap space for the 2025 season, according to Spotrac, the Bears are well-positioned to make a competitive offer for Kelly’s services.
Despite the Bears’ strong financial position, Kelly may have other suitors as well. However, the Bears could enhance their appeal by demonstrating significant improvement on the field, such as achieving another substantial increase in wins similar to their recent performance. Such a showing could make Chicago a more attractive destination for Kelly and potentially persuade him to join the Bears.
As the Bears continue to build and refine their roster, focusing on key positions like center will be crucial to their long-term success. Acquiring a veteran like Ryan Kelly could provide the stability and protection necessary to maximize Caleb Williams’ potential and elevate the team’s overall performance.
More NFL: Bears’ newest superstar named first rookie captain in team history