The will need to make several big decisions on key positions this offseason to stay in the hunt. The Bears won the NFC North this season and fell just short of the Justin Jackson Jersey NFC championship game in overtime against the . They now have their eyes on a bigger prize, which is something Chicagoans havent felt in a long time. To make that happen, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have a few personnel decisions upcoming. MORE: At left tackle, Ozzy Trapilo tore his patellar tendon during the playoffs. The Bears have utilized four different starters at the position this season. Trapilo could be out deep into next year, Poles said. Theo Benedet, who had eight starts in 2025, is an exclusive-rights free agent and could be brought back. Braxton Jones rookie contract expires this offseason. He could come back on a prove-it deal or sign elsewhere. The Bears have decent pa s rushers, but they will likely look to improve. The team hopes for the healthy returns of Dayo Odeyingbo (torn Achilles tendon) and Shemar Turner (torn ACL). Austin Booker, meanwhile, has showed flashes of promise. MORE: Many mock drafts have the Bears targeting young talented pa s rushers in the first round, since their chance to make a splash in free agency is minimal due to budget constraints. Lastly, all four of the Bears safeties Kevin Byard II, Jaquan Brisker, Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens have contracts expiring. Byard is coming off an All-Pro year in which he led the NFL in interceptions with seven. Mutual interest in a return has been signaled from the front office and Byard. If the Bears can find answers to these pre sing personnel i sues, then they can continue to be a force to be reckoned with. More Bears news: Jalen Brunson Jersey