The Breakout Bears

The Bears' General Manager, Ryan Poles, wasted no time this offseason getting to work. First, they decided to trade the number one pick in the 2023 draft and got back many picks, but most importantly, D.J. Moore. This was a great addition for the Bears because they set up quarterback Justin Fields with a true number one receiving option, alongside other weapons like Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. These playmakers, along with their 2023 first-round pick, Darnell Wright, will help Fields make a huge leap this season. The Bears also signed guard Nate Davis to bolster their offensive line. Fields had the highest percentage of passes thrown under pressure last season, so adding more people to protect him was crucial. These moves are setting up Fields, but more importantly, the Bears, for success in the passing game.

Chicago's offense was not the main issue though last season; it was their defense. Another reason I think this team is poised for a better year is because of their free agency signings on that side of the ball. The additions of linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds are going to bolster a team that desperately needs help stopping other teams from scoring. For all linebacker grades last season, Edmunds ranked 5th, and Edwards ranked 6th. Adding two high-level defensive players will definitely fill a much-needed void after trading away Roquan Smith last season. Second-year player Jack Sanborn is also poised for a better season after earning a starting spot towards the end of the year. The Chicago secondary is looking promising as well, with veteran Eddie Jackson coming back after his season was cut short due to injury. Pairing him up with second-year safety Jaquan Brisker will be scary for opposing offenses to compete against. Brisker led the team in sacks, and Jackson led the team in interceptions, each with 4 of them. Jaylon Johnson is coming into a contract year as well and has been impressive for Chicago since he was drafted. All of these defensive additions came from the most successful teams in the league last season, and bringing them together with a young, hungry team will help their defense get back on track to being the Monster of the Midway again.

The Bears are having a very similar offseason as the Eagles did last year: setting up the franchise quarterback for success by getting him a number one receiver and also getting some much-needed help on the defensive side of the ball. Don't be surprised if Justin Fields has an MVP-caliber season, and if Chicago makes the playoffs with a team that has improved drastically since the beginning of the 2022 season.