As 2016 comes to a close and the new year approaches, Bears senior writer Larry Mayer highlights the top 25 headlines from the past year:
Jan. 11: Loggains named offensive coordinator
After serving as quarterbacks coach in his first season with the Bears in 2015, Dowell Loggains was promoted to offensive coordinator. He replaced Adam Gase, who left the Bears after one season to become head coach of the Miami Dolphins. | Full story
Feb. 29: Bears put franchise tag on Jeffery
The Bears designated Alshon Jeffery as their franchise player, guaranteeing the star receiver a one-year contract worth $14.599 million while keeping him off the free-agent market. | Full story
March 9: Bears sign Trevathan, Massie; re-sign Porter
On a busy first day of free agency, the Bears signed inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (Broncos) and tackle Bobby Massie (Cardinals) and re-signed cornerback Tracy Porter. | Trevathan story | Massie story | Porter story
March 12: Bears agree to terms with Freeman
The Bears signed inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman, who leads the team with 100 tackles heading into Sunday's season finale despite missing four games due to a PED suspension. | Full story
March 13: Bears land free agent Akiem Hicks
The Bears added a key piece to their defense when they signed Akiem Hicks, who has set career highs this season with seven sacks, two forced fumbles and 10 tackles-for-loss. | Full story
March 17: Bears trade TE Bennett to Patriots
The Bears dealt tight end Martellus Bennett and a sixth-round draft pick to the Patriots in exchange for a fourth-round selection. | Full story
April 28: Bears trade up to pick Leonard Floyd
The Bears traded up two spots in the first round of the draft to select Georgia outside linebacker Leonard Floyd at No. 9. Floyd has recorded seven sacks in 12 games as a rookie. | Full story
April 29: Bears trade down twice, draft Whitehair
After trading down twice, the Bears drafted Kansas State offensive lineman Cody Whitehair in the second round. Whitehair has had an excellent rookie season, starting every game at center. | Full story | Watch draft selection
April 30: Bears select RB Howard in Round 5
The Bears landed one of the top steals in the draft when they chose Indiana running back Jordan Howard in the fifth round. Howard needs 61 yards Sunday to set the Bears rookie rushing record. | Full story
April 30: Bears ink QB Hoyer to one-year deal
The Bears landed an experienced veteran backup quarterback when they signed Brian Hoyer immediately after the draft. Hoyer posted a 98.0 passer rating in five starts before breaking his arm. | Full story
July 30: Young inks two-year contract extension
Outside linebacker Willie Young became the first Bears player to sign an extension before his contract expired since Ryan Pace became the team's general manager in January 2015. | Full story
Aug. 6: Grasu lost for season with torn ACL
The Bears' Family Fest practice at Soldier Field was marred by a season-ending knee injury to center Hroniss Grasu, who was the first of 19 Bears players to land on injured reserve this year. | Full story
Sept. 4: Bears release Gould after 11 seasons
The Bears parted ways with their all-time leading scorer, replacing Robbie Gould with Connor Barth. Gould exited with team records for points (1,207) and field goals made (276). | Full story
Sept. 4: Bears ink former Packers guard Sitton
A surprise cut by the Packers, guard Josh Sitton didn't waste any time spicing up the NFL's oldest rivalry, signing a three-year contract with the Bears one day after being released by Green Bay. | Full story
Sept. 7: Long inks new deal through 2021
The Bears locked up one of their most important players, signing three-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Kyle Long to a four-year contract extension through 2021. | Full story
Sept. 11: Bears drop opener to Texans
The Bears opened their 97th season with a 23-14 loss to the Texans. Jay Cutler threw two TD passes to give the Bears a 14-10 halftime lead, but they were outscored 13-0 in the second half. | Full story
Sept. 19: Bears hit hard by injuries
Eight Bears players were hurt in a Monday night loss to the Eagles, including five starters in Jay Cutler, Danny Trevathan, Lamarr Houston, Eddie Goldman and Adrian Amos. | Full story
Oct. 2: Bears beat Lions for first victory
The Bears recorded their first win as Brian Hoyer passed for 302 yards and two TDs, Jordan Howard rushed for 111 yards, Eddie Royal had 111 yards receiving and the defense did not allow a TD. | Full story
Oct. 5: Bears put White on injured reserve
Receiver Kevin White was placed on injured reserve for the second time in as many seasons after he suffered a fractured left fibula and high ankle sprain in a win over the Lions. | Full story
Oct. 20: Bears elevate McPhee to active roster
After spending the first six weeks of the season on the PUP list, outside linebacker Pernell McPhee was added to the active roster and made his season debut in a loss in Green Bay. | Full story
Oct. 31: Bears dominate up front, beat Vikings
Rookie Jordan Howard rushed for a season-high 153 yards against the NFL's No. 1 defense and the Bears sacked Sam Bradford five times in a 20-10 Monday night win over Minnesota. | Full story
Nov. 14: Jeffery suspended 4 games for PEDs
Receiver Alshon Jeffery was suspended four games for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances. Jeffery had just one TD and one 100-game at the time of his suspension. | Full story
Nov. 21: Freeman suspended for PED violation
Linebacker Jerrell Freeman became the second Bears starter to receive a four-game suspension for PED use in as many weeks. Freeman blamed it on a mix-up with a prescription medication. | Full story
Dec. 4: Bears dominate in win over 49ers
Jordan Howard rushed for 117 yards and ran for touchdowns on three straight possessions in a 26-6 win for the Bears, who did not allow a touchdown for the first time since 2012. | Full story
Dec. 18: Howard reaches 1,000-yard plateau
Jordan Howard rushed for 90 yards in a loss to the Packers, increasing his season total to 1,059 yards. In the process, he became the fifth Bears rookie rusher to top 1,000 yards in a season. | Full story
