Chicago dealt for two-time All-Pro guard Joe Thuney this offseason and signed top free agent center Drew Dalman to upgrade the interior offensive line, a weak point in 2024. The Bears also dealt for former Lions guard Jonah Jackson to provide Johnson a familiar player on the interior offensive line as well.

The Bears agreed to a contract extension with Poles on Friday, a source said. He and new coach Ben Johnson are on matching timelines through the 2029 season. Poles was widely believed to be nearing the end of his contract just as Johnson was beginning a five-year deal, creating potential instability that Warren sought to snuff out.