Big dreams often come with hefty price tags. The Chicago Bears are moving ahead with their plans for a domed stadium in Arlington Heights, but the costs of waiting are stacking up quickly. According to the franchise, every month that goes by without progress adds another $10 million to their already enormous project budget.

At the heart of the standoff is money, specifically, $855 million in public funding. The team insists taxpayers should help cover infrastructure upgrades like roads and rail, about 17% of the overall $5 billion project. While that’s lower than the 29% secured for the Washington Commanders’ RFK site deal, it’s still a significant request in Illinois. Officials are still cautious after previous proposals for a larger public portion faced roadblocks from Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The Bears aren’t conceding, however. The stadium itself, projected at $2 billion, will be privately financed, they contend. They’ve also called for lawmakers to enact “Mega Project” legislation that would put large developments off limits for property-tax valuations during negotiations with local authorities. Without it, executives say, the future of the project is uncertain.

Team president Kevin Warren has tried to frame the new stadium as a civic opportunity. In an open letter, he highlighted ambitions to host a Super Bowl by 2031 and promised more than 56,000 jobs and $10 billion in economic impact. Renderings show a gleaming, AT&T Stadium-style venue on the 326-acre former Arlington International Racecourse site. “This is the type of venue and destination that you all have deserved for years,” Warren said.

However, not everyone is on board. Fans have already poked fun at the design, dubbing it a “knockoff AT&T,” while critics highlight the significant burden on taxpayers. With construction costs climbing and political discussions still unresolved, the Bears are facing both rising expenses and increasing pressure. It seems that time is a luxury the franchise simply can’t afford, both in regard to their new stadium as well as the roster.

Chicago’s O-Line Set for Change as Jones Faces Bench

The Chicago Bears are heading into their bye week with some serious concerns on the offensive line. Braxton Jones, who was drafted in the fifth round back in 2022 and has been a steady starter, might be on the verge of losing his left tackle position.

The signs were clear in Week 4. First-year head coach Ben Johnson made the bold move to bench Jones during the game against the Raiders. Then, moving Theo Benedet to the blind side. And giving rookie Ozzy Trapilo his first real taste of NFL action at right tackle. According to Brad Biggs from the Chicago Tribune, it looks like Jones “is not expected to start on October 13 against Washington. The situation is still evolving, and Benedet is the likely candidate to step in.”

Johnson didn’t shy away from acknowledging the potential shift. “We need to evaluate all four games as a complete picture,” he mentioned through Biggs. “What are we doing well? What needs improvement? I think we’ll have a clearer idea of our direction moving forward.”

Jones has played over 2,600 snaps at left tackle for the Bears. But he’s struggled with consistency since coming back from ankle surgery last December. In the game against the Raiders, Maxx Crosby was a constant threat, pushing the Bears’ coaching staff to make a change.

Benedet seems to be the frontrunner for the job. Standing at 6-foot-7, this Canadian player has caught the attention of coaches with his discipline and composure. He is already getting some snaps as a swing tackle. Meanwhile, Trapilo showed promise against Crosby and could stay in the conversation if right tackle Darnell Wright’s elbow injury doesn’t heal quickly.

The bye week provides a chance to regroup. When the Bears return to action under the Monday night lights in Washington, they might just have a new protector for Justin Fields’ blind side.