Bears general manager Ryan Poles was a busy man at the NFL Scouting Combine. As he discussed on the Bears on the Marquee Podcast, Poles said he planned to survey the entire league during his week in Indianapolis, and have conversations that set the stage for this big week.

“There’s a lot of spending time with different agents and club representatives to see what’s going on,” Poles said last week in an exclusive interview with Marquee Sports Network. “It’s really about taking in as much as possible to help us drive decisions when we leave here.”

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Poles and the Bears made some bold moves coming out of the combine, making aggressive reported trades for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney in a 24-hour span that included parts of Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Bears offensive line has received a massive upgrade, with proven commodities at both guard spots. Poles used the assets available to acquire players with excellent track records and big salaries that Chicago can easily fit under the salary-cap. Poles didn’t give up much draft capital, with a 2025 sixth-round pick for Jackson and a 2026 fourth-rounder for Thuney.

Poles didn’t have to part with a premium asset for either player because of their lofty salaries. Jackson’s set to make a $9 million base salary in each of the next two seasons.

Thuney is entering a contract year and is set to make $15.5 million, though it’s possible the Bears could work to sign him to a contract extension. While Thuney is 32 years old, he has clearly found his stride as an interior lineman, with consecutive All-Pro team honors to show for it.

The Bears entered their offseason with some true pressing needs. Head coach was first, and they hit a home run in hiring Ben Johnson. Interior offensive line was next, and the Bears were equally aggressive in shoring up their roster’s biggest weakness. Now, dare we say, offensive line looks like a true team strength.

The Bears were swift, decisive and bold getting talent they sought. Expect that theme to continue. Actions always speak louder, and this was the first foray of us seeing how Johnson and Poles work together.

They have assets, both financially and in the NFL Draft. The Bears clearly aren’t afraid to use them. They still have plenty left, too, with the No. 10 overall draft pick, three selections in the top 41 and tons of cap space.

These trades don’t eliminate the prospect the Bears could take another offensive lineman high, adding some depth at tackle. They must address the center position at some point, with Drew Dalman and Ryan Kelly as top options filled. They’ll need some depth up front as well, but all that will come in due time.

While free agency won’t start for another week, the Bears offseason have begun in earnest.

There are options to be aggressive in free agency or the trade market, whether the team wants to pay a pass rusher like Philadelphia’s Josh Sweat or a pursuit of a Jonathan Allen deal with Washington after the veteran made a formal trade request. And, after these trades, the thought of taking Ashton Jeanty at No. 10 doesn’t seem farfetched anymore.

The Bears have options there and at tight end and receiver as they continue to improve the squad around quarterback Caleb Williams.

Johnson and Poles these monster trades addressed major needs up front. It also set a tone for the offseason, the Bears are going to push for significant upgrades across the roster and are clearly in it to win it right now. That’s why everything’s on the table now.