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Chicago Bears’ 2023 season: 7-10, missed playoffs
Overview: The Bears hoped to make a leap into playoff contention while solidifying Justin Fields as their franchise quarterback. Neither happened. A 2-7 start tanked any plans of ascending to the postseason as the rival Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers made the biggest strides in the division.
But faith was not lost in Fields. A 5-3 finish, including a Week 13 win over the division champion Lions, renewed belief that Fields can be the long-coveted impact quarterback in Chicago. Meanwhile, the draft pick the Bears acquired from the Carolina Panthers turned out to be first overall in one of the most anticipated quarterback drafts in recent memory. What are the Bears to do?
(Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)
Key free agents
CB Jaylon Johnson
DT Justin Jones
WR Darnell Mooney
RB D’Onta Foreman
DE Yannick Ngakoue
C Lucas Patrick
Who’s in/out? Johnson’s the priority here. The fourth-year cornerback emerged as one of the best in the NFL last season, making his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro team just in time for his second contract. The Bears have vowed to retain Johnson, meaning the franchise tag could be in play barring an agreement on a long-term deal. The prioritization of Johnson means that all other free agents are expendable.
Justin Fields is the centerpiece of one of the most compelling and consequential offseason decisions in recent memory. (John Fisher/Getty Images)
Key free agent needs
Wide receiver
Edge
Center
Defensive tackle
Why the holes? Lucas Patrick struggled in his two seasons in Chicago. The Bears are expected to seek an upgrade to anchor the offensive line. Whether Darnell Mooney stays or goes, Chicago needs to upgrade its wide receiver room around No. 1 option D.J. Moore. On defense, Montez Sweat was a revelation after arriving via midseason trade from Washington. Another pass-rushing threat could elevate Chicago’s pass defense to a formidable unit.
Do they have the money?
They do. In addition to having two top-10 picks in…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/chicago-bears-2024-nfl-offseason-primer-its-all-about-justin-fields-vs-upside-of-no-1-overall-pick-014146471.html
Author : Yahoo Sports
Publish date : 2024-02-23 01:41:46
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