Chicago Bears · Franchise era 7 of 7
The quarterback search continues: the Chicago Bears story
Franchise era
2013—present
The quarterback search continues
Chicago Bears
The story in one sentence
The 2018 defense briefly restored contention, but Chicago has continued rebuilding its offense in pursuit of the long-awaited franchise quarterback.
Elite defensive peaks meet repeated offensive resets
Khalil Mack, Justin Fields and Caleb Williams gave the era its recognizable core.
Its final meaning is still being written.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2013
What came before
Lovie Smith restored the defense-first formula, and Hester's return brilliance helped the 2006 Bears reach Super Bowl XLI.
September 1, 2018
The Khalil Mack deal that reset two defenses
The Bears believed an elite pass rusher could complete a young defense. The Raiders chose draft volume rather than meet Mack's contract demands.
07Defensive superstar packageSeptember 1, 2018CHI⇄OAKKhalil Mack to ChicagoChicago acquired Khalil Mack at the peak of his powers. Oakland received two firsts and two additional picks while sending a second and a conditional pick back.7 assets · 4 outcomes＋
The original receipt
Chicago Bears received
- • Khalil Mack
- • 2020 second · No. 43
- • 2020 conditional fifth
Oakland Raiders received
- • 2019 first · No. 24
- • 2019 sixth · No. 196
- • 2020 first · No. 19
- • 2020 third · No. 81
Mack transformed Chicago immediately and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. The Raiders' premium picks became Josh Jacobs and Damon Arnette.
Open full trade tree →2019-01-06
Wild Card: Philadelphia Eagles vs Chicago Bears
2026-01-10
Wild Card: Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears
2026-01-18
Divisional Round: Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears
Still unfolding
Where the story stands
This chapter remains active, so its final place in franchise history is still being written.
The core