Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

Football
**Forward Progress – A Chicago Bears Podcast**

When it comes to Chicago Bears talk, Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola have been setting the agenda for decades. Now, they’re bringing that same unflinching insight — and Sunday-afternoon passion — to Forward Progress. From breaking down Bears game plans with analytical precision to unleashing the raw emotion every fan feels when the season’s on the line, Dan and Matt deliver the perfect balance of expertise and authenticity. It’s a show that lives and breathes the Bears, while never shying away from the bigger NFL picture. Whether you’re a diehard or just love the ride, Forward Progress is where Chicago’s football conversation starts.

Latest Episodes:

Tremaine Edmunds has permission from the Chicago Bears to seek a trade Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Tremaine Edmunds

10:00 Kyle Monangai

15:15 Bears run game

30:30 Top 100 FAs

33:10 John Franklin-Myers

The Chicago Bears have officially given veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds permission to seek a trade, signaling that his future in Chicago is all but decided. We break down what this means for the Bears’ roster, cap strategy, and defensive identity moving forward.

Rutgers star running back Kyle Manongai has some valuable advice for the incoming NFL rookie class.

We also dive into the Bears’ short‑yardage rushing performance from last season.

How effective were they when they needed tough yards?

Where did the run game fall short?

And what must improve in 2026?

We’ve got the numbers and the analysis.

Across the league, who will be the Week 1 starting quarterback for all 32 teams?

ESPN’s Seth Walder posed the question, and we take a closer look at his projections.

Plus:

– Where Bears players land on Gregg Rosenthal’s Top 100 Free Agents list

– Why defensive lineman John Franklin‑Myers could become a coveted offseason target

– And whether Chicago should be in the mix

Another loaded episode packed with Bears news, league-wide analysis, and offseason storylines you don’t want to miss.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Ryan Poles fighting for Bears draft picks? Tyson Bagent is a top 32 QB in the league Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Bears Audio

25:00 Mel Kiper

29:00 Curtis Allen

31:00 International NFL Game

Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles took the podium at the NFL Combine today, and two major storylines jumped out: their clear enthusiasm for quarterback Tyson Bagent, and Poles’ surprising comment that receiving compensatory picks for former assistant GM Ian Cunningham would feel “strange.” We break down what both quotes really mean for the Bears’ offseason strategy.

Plus, Mel Kiper has officially dropped his first mock draft of the year.

For the draft and scouting diehards:

Keep an eye on Division II standout Curtis Allen, the explosive running back from Virginia Union who’s starting to generate real buzz.

Also on today’s show:

– The NFL announces nine international games for the 2026 season

– If you’re given an all‑expenses‑paid trip to one of them… which city, are you choosing?

Another packed episode loaded with Bears analysis, draft talk, and NFL storylines you won’t want to miss.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Khalil Mack back to the Chicago Bears - realistic or bad idea? Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

0:00 NFL Combine

12:20 NFL Top 100 Free Agents

15:15 Khalil Mack

22:25 Javonte Williams Contract

28:21 Rondale Moore

The NFL Combine kicks off today, and we’re breaking down exactly what we want the Chicago Bears to accomplish this week—and which decisions are most important for the team’s long‑term success, especially looking ahead to the 2026 season.

We also dive into the new Top 100 NFL Free Agents list. Where do current Bears players land? Who are the realistic targets? And yes… we ask the question:

Is a one‑year reunion with Khalil Mack even remotely realistic, or is that just wild SuperFan fantasy?

Plus:

• The Cowboys extend Javonte Williams—and we discuss how (or if) that deal should influence the Bears’ perspective on D’Andre Swift.

• A thoughtful and important conversation sparked by Rondale Moore of the Vikings, who opens the door to a larger topic: men’s mental health and why it matters.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kevin Fishbain, Senior Writer The Athletic - Chicago Bears Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

Kevin Fishbain joins the podcast to discuss all things Chicago Bears

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Bears player evaluation and roster moves this offseason Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Jeff King

10:00 Bagent and Monangai

18:36 Kenny Gainwell

22:30 Landon Robinson

The Chicago Bears have officially named Jeff King as their new Assistant General Manager, promoting a long‑time organizational leader who has spent 12 years inside Halas Hall. What does King’s rise mean for the Bears’ front office direction under Ryan Poles?

We dive into two major offseason questions surrounding Tyson Bagent and Kyle Monangai — answers that could shape the Bears’ roster decisions, quarterback depth strategy, and whether potential trade offers would make sense if they emerge.

There’s also an underrated UFA running back the Bears should seriously consider if a need opens in the RB room — we break down the fit, the cost, and why the move could make sense for Chicago.

Plus, we take a look at Navy offensive line prospect Landon Robinson, who was snubbed from the NFL Combine. Could he be a draft‑weekend steal for a team looking for toughness and versatility?

All that and more on today’s show — Chicago Bears offseason news, roster analysis, draft talk, and free‑agent targets.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bears should seriously consider any offers for Tyson Bagent Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Bears coaching moves

8:30 Caleb Williams

9:45 Tyson Bagent

13:00 Players that need a change

27:20 Pat Mahomes

The Bears made several coaching staff moves official:

– Will Lawing takes over as the new Offensive Analyst

– Isaiah Ford becomes the Offensive Quality Control Coach

– Press Taylor is officially named Offensive Coordinator

Plus, there are rumors the Arizona Cardinals are interested in Tyson Bagent — so what’s the offer, and should the Bears listen?

We also break down Caleb Williams’ appearance on Maxx Crosby’s podcast — are we looking at future teammates bonding early?

ESPN released a list of NFL players who need a “change of scenery” — and a couple names were connected to the Bears. Who made the list and why?

And around the league: the Chiefs restructure Patrick Mahomes’ contract to help relieve their cap issues.

All that and more on today’s show.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

D'Andre Swift wants to stay with the Chicago Bears. Will the Bears keep the veteran back at $8.8m? Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Swift and the Bears

8:30 Matt Bowen

15:00 Daniel Jeremiah

34:00 Derek Carr

35:30 Brockermeyer redraft

D’Andre Swift says he wants to stay in Chicago — and with an $8.8 million cap hit next season, his production more than matches the value for the NFL’s 12th‑leading rusher. But will the Bears keep their veteran running back, or look for a cheaper option to pair with rookie Kyle Monangai?

We also break down Matt Bowen’s list of the best fits for the NFL’s top 50 free agents, plus Daniel Jeremiah’s second mock draft. Who does he have the Bears targeting with the 25th pick?

All that and more as we dive into the latest Bears offseason moves, draft buzz, and roster decisions.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Chicago Bears have Caleb Williams and a trusted backup but not every team has that Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Bears

8:35 NFL QBs

27:00 Miami

31:00 Maxx Crosby

35:00 John Fox

37:00 Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

The Chicago Bears feel great about Caleb Williams — franchise quarterback, playoff ambitions, and future Super Bowl dreams. And with Tyson Bagent as a reliable backup, Chicago sits in a better spot than most teams. But around the league? The quarterback situation is getting messy. We’re talking Joe Flacco, Philip Rivers, and even whispers of Derek Carr coming out of retirement. How bad has the NFL’s QB depth really gotten?

Plus:

🏈 NFL QB Crisis — the league is scraping for veterans. Why?

🔄 Dolphins Shake-Up — Miami is tearing down the roster, moving on from Bradley Chubb and Tyreek Hill. Is Tua next on the chopping block?

🤝 Trade Talk — Would YOU trade the Bears’ first-round pick and DJ Moore for Maxx Crosby? We debate it.

🎓 Draft Watch — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, the Toledo safety.

And yep… John Fox is back in football.

Sports talk, bold takes, and plenty of laughs — hit play and dive in.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NFL wins against the NFLPA | Maxx Crosby trade | Good Will Lawing Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Bears

10:30 NFL Report Cards

15:30 Playoff Teams in 2026

24:40 Caleb and Drake

30:00 Maxx Crosby

33:30 NFL Pardons

The Bears have just one offensive coaching spot left to fill — Passing Game Coordinator.

So how do Connor Senger or Will Lawing fit into Ben Johnson’s staff?

The NFL also won its grievance against the NFLPA over team report cards — what does that actually mean for players and teams?

We also look ahead to 2026:

Which NFL teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 are most likely to make it next season? We’ve got our picks.

Plus: we dug into the numbers for Caleb Williams and Drake Maye during their 2025 seasons.

Who performed better against tougher competition?

Is Maxx Crosby getting traded? Possible landing spots — and the one place we really don’t want to see him end up.

And finally… NFL pardons. Why?

Yeah, we have thoughts.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What will Caleb Williams achieve in year 3? Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

0:00 Halas Harbor

10:30 ESPN 2026 Predictions

14:15 QB Rankings for 2025

23:00 Bears Rookie Class

28:00 Combine Guys

We dive into new details about the key financial backer behind the proposed Chicago Bears relocation to Portage, Indiana and the creation of “Halas Harbor.” The latest information raises serious questions about the legitimacy and long‑term stability of the project, and what it could mean for the future of the Bears franchise. ESPN released early 2026 NFL season predictions, and their experts are setting major expectations for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams heading into his third year. Nick Shook of NFL.com also dropped his 2025 NFL quarterback rankings, giving us a full look at where every QB stands after the season. PFSN had high praise for the Chicago Bears’ 2025 rookie class, highlighting several standout players who could make an immediate impact. Plus, Matt spotlights two NFL Combine prospects that Bears fans should keep a close eye on as draft season ramps up.

#chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk

Make sure to subscribe to...

✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered

✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈

✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀

All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available on 312Sports.com

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.