CHGO Chicago Bears Podcast

Greg Braggs Jr.'s long-awaited (realistic) Big Board is finally revealed. Of the available options, is Safety the best direction for the Chicago Bears to go in the 1st round of the NFL Draft? And if so, who should be the preference between Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren?

Best Available Founder Tyler Brooke joins the CHGO Bears Podcast and answers some of the most pressing NFL Draft questions facing the Chicago Bears, including what they'll do in the 1st round. Does Brooke have a preference between safeties Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren? Is there a TE who can replace Durham Smythe? And if the Bears do draft a RB, which one could interest their needs?

In exactly two weeks, the Chicago Bears will make their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Today we rank out top-10 EDGE rushers as we look to fill the Bears’ biggest need. And speaking of needs, we rank the Bears’ biggest positional needs following NFL Free Agency. Are the top-3 needs all on defense? Plus Carm reveals his Mock Draft 1.0, which includes several names Bears fans need to know. Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

With much of the focus being on the Defensive Line for the Chicago Bears in NFL mock drafts, could we be overlooking Left Tackle as a realistic option for the team? Ozzy Trapilo will miss most of the season, while the Bears re-signed Braxton Jones and singed Jedrick Wills. But is that enough to protect Caleb Williams’ blindside? We finally take a look at Braggs’ Big Board o0f realistic options for the Bears at Pick 25. Plus Dave Wannstedt joins the show! We cap it off with Fran Duffy joining to tease a special event for our Diehards. Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast

The Chicago Bears are 16 days away from the NFL Draft and have been adamant that they will draft the best player available when they select at pick 25. Should we believe that Ryan Poles will actually draft BPA regardless of position? Would they spend a high draft pick on a Wide Receiver for the second-straight year? And what if Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson were to slip to the Bears? We welcome the founder of ‘Best Available’ Tyler Brooke to the show to break down some possibilities to fit the Bears’ needs. And, have the Bears become the example for Chicago sports teams on how to build a front office and coaching staff? Join Mark Carman, Greg Braggs Jr. and Adam Hoge on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

With the NFL Draft just 2.5 weeks away, we look ahead to possible draft scenarios, including the Chicago Bears trading UP to get their EDGE. If Rueben Bain or Keldric Faulk slip into the teens, the Bears have the draft capital to get their guy. Plus, could Tyreek Hill actually be a plausible pickup for the Bears like the betting markets indicate? And if RB Jadarian Price is available in the 2nd round, would Ryan Poles consider pulling the trigger? Greg Braggs Jr. reveals the top-4 on his big board, including two different Safety prospects. And, we have more stadium news; this time from Adam Schefter. Could we FINALLY have a decision in the next three weeks? Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

ALLCITY NFL Draft Analyst Fran Duffy re-joins the CHGO Bears Podcast and has a pair of players that could be perfect fits for the Chicago Bears in the defensive backfield. If the Bears opt for a corner, is Jermod McCoy flying under-the-radar? And is Emmanuel McNeil-Warren still the dream secnario?

Ohio State Defensive Tackle Kayden McDonald was at Halas Hall for a top-30 visit. Is the Buckeye a good fit for the Chicago Bears or is he a bit too one-dimensional as a run stopper? Would he be a more favorable pick in the second round as opposed to pick #25 in the 1st round?

The NFL made it official earlier today. The Chicago Bears will NOT be receiving compensatory picks for Ian Cunningham becoming GM of the Atlanta Falcons. Now Bears fans are left to simply ask the question, why? ALLCITY Draft Analyst Fran Duffy joins the show as we are less than 3 weeks away from the NFL Draft. Are things starting to become more clear on who could be available when the Bears pick at #25? Fran also takes questions from our Diehards in a Diehard rapid fire. And after hearing from Ryan Poles and George McCaskey, just how fun has the Bears-Packers rivalry become again? Join Adam Hoge and Mark Carman on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

The dust has settled from Phoenix, Arizona, at the NFL Annual Meeting where George McCaskey and Kevin Warren gave their latest updates on where the stadium negotiations are at. George said that Bears fans will be up to the challenge to embrace The Region as the new home of the Chicago Bears which is leading some to believe that Indiana is now the frontrunner. Would Bears fans embrace Hammond as the new home of the Bears? Plus, what new rule changes are on the way for the NFL? And Hoge is back! What updates does he have from Phoenix? Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

Kevin Warren met with the media in Phoenix, Arizona, at the NFL Annual Meeting. He discusses the Chicago Bears' progress on a new stadium and their pursuit of compensatory picks for Ian Cunningham signing with the Atlanta Falcons.

George McCaskey met with the media in Phoenix, Arizona, at the NFL Annual Meeting. The most prevalent topic was the Chicago Bears' progress on a new stadium. Is it still just a two-horse race between Hammond and Arlington Heights. And what can we expect from the next stadium, regardless of location?

The NFL Annual Meeting continues in Phoenix, Arizona. Today, Kevin Warren and George McCaskey spoke and addressed progress on the Bears next stadium. What roadblocks still exist? And is the team just waiting to see if they get a better offer from Illinois? Adam Hoge joins from Phoenix with more. Plus, how have the Bears responded to the lack of compensatory picks for Ian Cunningham signing as GM of the Atlanta Falcons. Are discussions still ongoing? Join Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson and GM Ryan Poles sat down with Hoge and Jahns to discuss how the Bears can reach their next steps in 2026. One of the ways they can do that is by QB Caleb Williams making strides with his completion percentage. Johnson said the goal for Caleb in 2025 was to reach 70%, and despite falling well short, he said there were nearly 100 throws that the team left on the table. Should we expect a 70% completion percentage in 2026? Plus, Ryan Poles discussed how to team will approach the NFL Draft, including sticking to a ‘best player available’ approach. Adam Jahns and Adam Hoge join Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson spoke at the NFL Annual Meeting and addressed the decision to re-sign LT Braxton Jones. After adding some muscle already this offseason, could he be the favorite to start Week 1?

Ben Johnson spoke to the media at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona and talked about the new direction in Year 2 of the Chicago Bears. Including the all important Left Tackle position where Ben Johnson addresses what the plan for Ozzy Trapilo is and what the Bears can anticipate for that spot going forward. Plus, Ben Johnson had clear examples on what the 2026 Bears can improve on in 2025. Join Greg Braggs Jr, Shayne Marsaw and Phil Ottochian as we discuss all that and more on CHGO Bears After Dark!

The NFL Annual Meetings kicked off on Monday morning in Phoenix, Arizona. Adam Hoge is there and brings us the latest from Ben Johnson’s breakfast meeting, including where the Chicago Bears have room for improvement. Plus, why should we be optimistic about Braxton Jones heading into 2026? Could he be a new man after putting in some offseason work? And one trait stood out for new Bears Safety Coby Bryant. What made him Dennis Allen’s type? Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

Pete Crow-Armstrong has signed a 6-year extension with the Chicago Cubs. Caleb Williams could be the greatest QB in Chicago Bears history. Connor Bedard is a young phenom for the Chicago Blackhawks. Is Chicago sports back?! And how much will Caleb earn when he's extension eligible?

The Owners Meetings kick off next week In Phoenix, Arizona, starting Sunday with George McCaskey, Kevin Warren, Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson all set to speak to the media. Ryan Poles alluded to further discussing the compensatory picks not being granted by the NFL from Ian Cunningham being hired as GM of the Falcons. Should we expect to get an update on that? Will George McCaskey and Kevin Warren have an update on the stadium dealings? So much to discuss on our final show of the week with Mark Carman, Greg Braggs Jr and Adam Jahns on the CHGO Bears Podcast!

NFL Network's Brian Baldinger rattles through some names that could fill needs for the Chicago Bears including Texas' Anthony Hill, Arkansas' Mike Washington, Alabama's Kadyn Proctor and plenty more!

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams filed a trademark for the his "Iceman" nickname. Just four days later, George Gervin has pushed back, filing his own trademark request while telling Caleb that HE was the original Iceman and that the name isn't available. The CHGO Bears crew determines who deserves the name.

Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner joins the CHGO Bears Podcast on another crucial week as the Chicago Bears and state representatives are scheduled to meet to try to FINALLY reach a resolution for a new stadium in Illinois. Can they push a deal across the table to keep the Bears in-state? Later we update our CHGO Bears Madness bracket to see which moments from the 2025 season advance into the Elite 8. Plus, the original “Iceman” doesn’t love the idea of Caleb Williams trademarking the name. Are we headed for a stalemate? Join Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

Chicago Bears backup quarterback, Tyson Bagent, joins to discuss Year 4 with the Chicago Bears and what is the next steps in his journey. Plus, with the Sweet 16 starting tomorrow, we will run a bracket with the TOP 16 plays from 2026! We might even ask Tyson to pick his bracket! All that and more with Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr on the CHGO Bears Podcast!

NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger joins today’s CHGO Bears Podcast! How does Baldy grade the Chicago Bears offseason so far? Plus, Baldy looks ahead to the NFL Draft. He reveals some of his best prospect finds so far. Could the Bears get their EDGE in the 2nd round? Later, we evaluate the state of Chicago sports following Pete Crow-Armstrong’s extension. Does Chicago have the collective core of superstar athletes it’s been lacking for decades? And what should we make of the latest proposal to add a dome to Soldier Field? Join Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast!

Was the Jedrick Wills Jr. signing more than just for depth for the Chicago Bears? The former top-10 pick could push Braxton Jones for the starting Left Tackle job in 2026. Should we rule out Theo Benedet for the job?

The Chicago Bears have added to the roster, but there’s still work to be done. Are there some bargain bin free agents that Bears can still fit onto the team? Could the Bears get a player on a discount as their market remains dry? Later, we look at the history of Ryan Poles trading back in the NFL Draft. Could we rule out another trade-back by Poles? Plus, we dive deeper into Dan Roushar’s interview with Swift Sports Talk. Roushar reveals how he evaluates O-Line talent. Join Mark Carman, Greg Braggs Jr. and Adam Jahns on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

The NFL offseason rolls on as we look towards the players on the Chicago Bears that have the most to prove in 2026. Could it be the final season s on the Bears for Jaylon Johnson, Montez Sweat and Tyrique Stevenson if they don't play at a Pro Bowl level? Later we sit down with Former Bears RB Raymont Harris for an in-depth interview on his path to the NFL, fandom of the Bears and challenges along the way. Plus, Dan Roushar had a lot to say on the Foster Swift Sports Talk Podcast. Who was the surprising person that recommended him to Ben johnson for the Bears job? Join Mark Carman, Greg Braggs Jr. and Stephen Nicholas on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

The Chicago Bears took on another one year deal in Free Agency, this time bringing back LB Jack Sanborn who spent a year down in Dallas with Matt Eberflus. What does this mean for their plans at LB come the NFL Draft? What does it mean for Rueben Hyppolite? Also, the Bears salary cap is shrinking! What can the Bears do to free up cap space? Plus, Caleb Williams files for a trademark on the ICEMAN nickname but will he get it? All that and more with Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr on the CHGO Bears Podcast!

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Maxx Crosby spoke on his podcast 'The Rush' and gave his perspective of what went down with the Baltimore Ravens' nixed trade. Did the Ravens intentionally pivot when Trey Hendrickson's price came down? The CHGO Bears Podcast discusses the possibilities.

We’ve officially entered mock draft season! Today on the CHGO Bears Podcast, Adam Jahns joins to reveal his picks in his most recent mock draft. Is it most likely the Bears go Safety at pick #25? Plus, we look at what NFL Draft experts think the Bears will do. Is it a consensus that Ryan Poles picks a player on defense to start his Draft? Later, we dive into Maxx Crosby’s recent podcast where he describes his perspective of what happened in the nixed trade by the Baltimore Ravens. Will he remain a Las Vegas Raider into the season now? Join Mark Carman, Greg Braggs Jr. and Adam Jahns on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

The Chicago Bears have made some significant changes to their Linebacker room, cutting Tremaine Edmunds while signing Devin Bush and re-signing D'Marco Jackson. Has that group improved? And will Rube Hyppolite be a name the Bears can count on in year 2? We bring back former Bears Linebacker Lance Briggs with his take on the linebacker room. Later, we talk possible trade up AND trade down scenarios. If the Bears liked what they saw from Caleb Banks at the NFL Combine, could that be a player they moved back to target? Lance Briggs joins Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast!

1 week since Free Agency and the Chicago Bears have made a lot of moves to fill some of their holes on the roster, specifically up the middle on the defensive side. We'll talk about our favorite moves and what Ryan Poles, Ben Johnson still need to address in the NFL Draft. All that and more with Greg Braggs, Shayne Marsaw and Phil Ottochian on CHGO Bears After Dark!

The Chicago Bears have plenty of changes in the secondary. Can they still lead the NFL in takeaways in 2026 despite losing Kevin Byard, Nahshon Wright, Jaquan Brisker and CJ Gardner-Johnson? Could Al Harris be the key to unlocking the talent of his new DBs? Should Bears fans trust Ryan Poles and the decisions he’s made this offseason. Hoge reveals some thoughts from his ‘10 Bears Things’. Carm counters with Carm’s quibbles…Plus, is losing TE Durham Smythe a bigger loss for the Bears than we’re giving it credit for? Join Adam Hoge and Mark Carman on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

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The Chicago Bears addressed a lot of their needs in NFL Free Agency, but one glaring weakness still remains: the lack of a high-end pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat. Should the Bears be concerned about the problem. Or will Austin Booker’s development plus the returns of Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner be enough to mitigate the issues? Later, we welcome back Jake Riepma from Locked on Lions to discuss the Bears’ signing of WR/KR Kalif Raymond. Plus, we go into the Diehard Discord to answer questions from our Diehards. Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

The Chicago Bears free agent haul was introduced at Halas Hall Thursday and our CHGO Bears crew was there to cover it. Hear from general manager Ryan Poles as he discusses each move and addresses how interested he was in trading for Maxx Crosby. You’ll also hear from each free agent acquisition and they discuss joining the Chicago Bears!

Bob Stelton of 710 Seattle Sports joins the CHGO Bears Podcast to discuss new Chicago Bears Safety Coby Bryant. Just how good is the Bears newest addition? What traits make his game stand out? And how upset were the Seattle Seahawks with his departure?

The CHGO Bears crew reacts to breaking news that Safety Kevin Byard has found a new home with the New England Patriots. How much does losing to the 2025 interception leader mean to the team? And what are they losing in leadership traits as well?

The Las Vegas Raiders dropped a bombshell on the NFL Tuesday night, announcing that the Baltimore Ravens have backed out of their trade for Maxx Crosby. So are the Chicago Bears back in?! We run through the scenarios where the Bears could STILL make a trade for the star edge rusher even after their free agent signings. Later, Plus, the Bears’ 2026 win total is out. Will the Bears hit the over for the second-straight year? Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast.

The Chicago Bears made two additional signings in free agency, re-signing Left Tackle Braxton Jones and signing WR/KR Kalif Raymond to 1-year deals. Will both be starters for the Beas next season? And should we be surprised the Bears opted to re-sign Jones over other free agent options? Later, we take a closer look at the Bears exact draft positions now that compensatory picks have been revelaed. How could the NFL not award any compensatory picks for Ian Cunningham signing with the Atlanta Falcons? Plus, with the Bears adding a 2nd-round pick in the DJ Moore trade, you would think that the Bears should have some of the highest pick value in the league. But is that actually the case? Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast!

NFL Free Agency begins with the Legal Tampering Period. Which free agents will Ryan Poles target to supplement his team. Following the trade of DJ Moore, release of Tremaine Edmunds, and retirement of Drew Dalman, Poles has over $26M to spend. Will the Chicago Bears GM opt to pursue a big ticket free agent or spend on several smaller deals to fill several team needs at EDGE, DT, LB, S and LT? Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman, Greg Braggs Jr. and Adam Jahns on the CHGO Bears Free Agency Frenzy!

Former Chicago Bears star wide receiver Allen Robinson joins the CHGO Bears Podcast for an enlightening interview about several topics including his experience playing for Ben Johnson in Detroit, his 2018 playoff run with the Bears and the current Bears WR corps.

The Chicago Bears acted quickly to fortify the interior of the O-Line, acquiring Center Garrett Bradbury from the New England Patriots in exchange for a 2027 5th-round pick. Is Bradbury now the favorite to be the starting center in 2026? Join Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Adam Jahsn as they react on the CHGO Bears Emergency Podcast!

Even before the official start of NFL Free Agency, the first domino has fallen at Center, with Tyler Biadasz signing with the Los Angeles Chargers. Is it now Tyler Linderbaum or bust for the Chicago Bears in free agency? Plus, the Bears made it official and parted ways with Tremaine Edmunds, releasing the veteran Linebacker for $15M in savings. Do the Bears now have the salary cap flexibility they need to pursue free agents and explore trades? And with DJ Moore now on the Buffalo Bills, who are free agent WRs Bears fans should keep their eyes on? We also hear from a pair of prospects from the NFL Combine who could peak the Bears' interest. Join Adam Hoge and Mark Carman on the CHGO Bears Podcast!

The Bears made a big swing, trading wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a second round pick. Adam Hoge and Mark Carman react to the big news and explain how it could lead to an even bigger move. Also, how does Moore fit in Buffalo? It’s all discussed on this edition of The CHGO Bears Podcast.

The Chicago Bears were dealt a big blow in the offseason when Center Drew Dalman announced his retirement on Tuesday. Now the Bears must turn their attention to finding his replacement. Is NFL Free Agency or the NFL Draft the better route to address the need? Carmen Vitali joins the show with her insights on the sudden retirement. If the Bears opt to fill the role via the Draft, could Iowa Center Logan Jones be a suitable fill-in? Plus, the Maxx Crosby trade market now favors the Bears in a big way. The Bears sit as -145 favorites to land the talented EDGE rusher on the gambling market. Could a deal be imminent? Carmen Vitali joins Adam Hoge, Mark Carman and Greg Braggs Jr. on the CHGO Bears Podcast!

Huge news on this emergency edition of The CHGO Bears Podcast as Adam Hoge and crew react to the stunning retirement of Bears center Drew Dalman. Dalman was coming off a Pro Bowl season and was still just 27 years old. The guys discuss how he can be replaced and whether or not Tyler Biadasz is a good fit.

The Chicago Bears are nearing the start of Free Agency with many moves on the horizon. Adam Hoge reflects on just how far Ryan Poles has come in his tenure with the team. Was the Colston Loveland pick last year his best as GM? We also dive into Dan Roushar's appearance on 'The Set' with Terron Armstead. Did he tip the Bears' hand on what their approach may be at Left Tackle this offseason? We catch up with former Bears WR Allen Robinson on today's show. What were his experiences playing under Ben Johnson in Detroit? Plus, Stephen Nicholas open his NFL Combine notebook to highlight some standout performers that could catch the Bears' eye in the NFL Draft. Join Adam Hoge and Stephen Nicholas on the CHGO Bears Podcast! 
 

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NFL Network Reporter Stacey Dales joins the CHGO Bears Podcast to discuss the big storylines surronding the NFL Combine. Just how remarkable was LB Sonny Styles' Combine performance? Is DT Caleb Banks still going to be available when the Bears make their pick at #25 of the NFL Draft?

The NFL Combine has concluded after a long week of players testing, interviews and the rumor mill swirling about as the trade market and Free Agency heats up! Join Greg Braggs Jr, Phil Ottochian and Shayne Marsaw as we talk winners and losers from the Combine and what's next for the Chicago Bears on CHGO Bears After Dark!