2024 season: 5-12, fourth at NFC North, missed qualifiers
Preview: The career of Caleb Williams did not take a good start in Chicago.
The good news is that things can only improve. And the way the Bears have already managed this offseason, she is tense for him in Chicago.
The Bears, who dismissed head coach Matt Eberflus during the season, hired the attacking coordinator of the Detroit Lions, Ben Johnson, to replace him. Johnson was one of the best candidates in the league this coach cycle, and is perhaps the best possible coach to direct Williams and transform the franchise.
Johnson has work for him. There are several key areas to which the Bears must approach this summer, and it must quickly build around Williams so that the franchise does not send another quarter-arre of the city as it did with the past several that He took in the first round. The Bears have the money to get there, and they have three choices in the Top 41 of the NFL draft this year. Now Johnson and Director General Ryan Polish must use them correctly.
Key -free agents
Wr Keenan Allen
Te Marcedes Lewis
G Teven Jenkins
Who is in / out: Allen said there were only three teams he wanted to play for next season, including the Bears. Otherwise, he wants to land in Los Angeles – either with loaders or rams. He had 744 yards and seven affected in his first season with the Bears, who, although respectable, was his lowest production in a full season since 2015. If he remains, he would be a great third legitimate option For Williams at the wide receiver alongside DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.
Lewis, despite 40 years in May, said he wanted to continue playing. It would be a boost in the tight end room and could come relatively cheap, but it is not clear if he will want to stay with the new diet.
Jenkins may also be outside the door. The selection of Bears in the second round in 2021 fought against many injuries throughout his career. He played in less than 65% of snaps last season, a career summit for him. He said it was a “draw” to find out if he wanted to come back, even if he would be a big boost for the Chicago front if he was in good health.
Key needs for free agent
Offensive line
Defensive line
Why the holes? Bears’ difficulties cannot be fully charged to the offensive line, but this group has certainly not helped. Williams was dismissed 68 times at the top of the league during his recruit campaign. The landing of a high -level room here and in the draft would undoubtedly help the second season of the QB franchise.
On the other side of the ball, the Bears need another rusher of pass. Their defense was not great, but the addition of someone alongside Montez Sweat and Demarcus Walker could provide an instant spark to their defensive front – and allow them to add talents elsewhere at the start of the project.
Even if there are other parts that the bears should add, this is where they should start.
Do they have the money?
Yes. The Bears are offset with almost $ 65 million in the ceiling spacewhich is among the league.
Notable potential cuts
Te Gerald Everett
S Kevin Byard III
Why they might have left: Everett did not bring much to the table last season for Chicago, and the team can save more than $ 5 million if it is divided with it. He made eight catches for 36 yards in 13 games. With Cole Kmet opening the way, there is no need to pay too much to save.
Byard comes out of a huge season for the Bears. He had a 130 -plated summit and an interception last season, his ninth in the league. If Chicago cuts the 31 -year -old, this will save about $ 7 million in the ceiling space and can then work to replace it with someone younger and cheaper. If they want to save money or take a bigger name in a free agency, it’s a way to do it.
Draft choice
1st round: n ° 10
2nd round: n ° 39 (Panthers)
2nd round: n ° 41
3rd round: n ° 72
5th round
6th round (Steelers)
7th round (Bengals)
7th round (Vikings)
Good draft adjustment
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Why him? Campbell is perhaps the best offensive line player in the draft this spring, and he seems to be a very safe choice for the Bears here, no matter who they put into play in free agency. The addition of Campbell, which should be able to slide and become a long -term part of their line, is an easy decision if they can land it.
The Bears must build an impenetrable wall around Caleb Williams and – with the 10th overall choice of the project and billions of wage ceiling space – they have the resources necessary to do so. If Williams ends up again among the most dismissed quarter in the League, it will be a civic scandal. The Chicago offensive is now led by one of the most inventive game designers in the NFL and this team is not lacking in players in skill spots. Williams simply needs coherent protection for this team to jump. –Andy Behrens
