The Chicago Bears are making moves faster than a halftime locker room speech in Any Given Sunday. Just as Michael Jordan once reshaped the Bulls, GM Ryan Poles and HC Ben Johnson are swinging the hammer, but what is the full blueprint?

That’s still under wraps. Imagine Silicon Valley algorithms with underdog spirit—strategic cuts, fresh faces, and a plot twist no one saw coming. Let’s dive in.

On Friday, the Bears released tight end Gerald Everett and defensive end DeMarcus Walker, shedding $10.75 million in cap space. Walker, 30, started all 17 games last season but ranked 60th among edge rushers per Pro Football Focus. Everett, meanwhile, flopped after signing a two-year, $12 million deal.

He tallied just eight catches for 36 yards. “Chicago, it was brief and a learning experience but I appreciate the love the city and the team showed me! Looking forward to the next chapter. On to the next!” Everett tweeted. However, Poles’s move signaled urgency.

Chicago now holds $80 million in cap space, the fourth-most in the NFL, per ESPN. But why do these cuts matter?

Walker’s release isn’t shocking—his 3.5 sacks in 2024 paled next to Montez Sweat’s 5.5. But dumping Everett? That’s a neon sign pointing to Ben Johnson’s vision. The new head coach loves two-tight-end sets (used over 32% in Detroit), and Everett’s vanishing act forced his exit. Meanwhile, Walker’s $5.25 million savings could fund a splashy free-agent signing (cough Trey Smith).

But cap space ≠ championship. Thrifty cuts are one thing, but spending wisely is another. Chicago’s $74.7 million (Top 51 cap) trails only Washington, Las Vegas, and New England. Yet Poles’s track record is shaky: only 10 wins in three seasons. With Johnson’s staff now official, pressure mounts to turn cash into contention.

Ben Johnson’s coaching army takes shape

Speaking of Johnson, his coaching lineup dropped Thursday, blending Super Bowl pedigrees and fresh minds. Dennis Allen (DC) and Declan Doyle (OC) headline, while Eric Bieniemy (RBs) and Antwaan Randle El (WRs) add firepower. “We’re excited to add high-quality, hard-working coaches to our staff. Proud to represent the Chicago Bears and our fans,” Johnson said, channeling Remember the Titans vibes. The staff’s résumés?

• Dennis Allen: Two-time head coach, Saints’ SB-winning DC.
• Eric Bieniemy: Architect of Chiefs’ high-octane offense.
• Antwaan Randle El: Mentored Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit.

Johnson’s hires scream balance. Veterans like Allen stabilize the defense, while upstarts like J.T. Barrett (QBs) inject energy. But can this mix revive Caleb Williams? Last year’s offense ranked 19th in tight-end usage—Johnson’s scheme demands better. Hence, the Bears aren’t just rebuilding…

They’re rewiring. Shedding Walker and Everett opens lanes for hungry talent, while Johnson’s staff blends wisdom and innovation. As Poles plots his next move, remember: “Success is no accident. It’s hard work, perseverance, and learning” (Pele). For Chicago, the grind starts now.