What will the Chicago Bears roster look like in 2023 with Justin Fields?

Chicago Bears front seven

Brand new defensive coordinator Sean Desai has his work cut out for him to ensure the Chicago Bears defense does not continue to take steps backward since their historic 2018 season. This defense’s best days are behind them, but there is a window to reload this defense into a top unit again.

Eddie Goldman, one of the most underrated nose tackles in football, leads a defensive line full of athleticism and versatility in the 2023 season. After signing midseason last year, Mario Edwards Jr. has found a home in Chicago with an extension through at least 2023 while 2018 fifth-round pick Bilal Nichols will need a contract extension after the 2021 season. Drafting BYU’s Khyiris Tonga and signing UDFA EDGE Charles Snowden gives this front much-needed depth.

There is no surprise when I say the Robert Quinn signing has cap-strapped the Bears more than they would’ve liked. With a potential out in 2022 at the expense of $9.3 million in dead cap, the Bears can attempt to move on from Quinn’s money and relocate it to Roquan Smith’s needed extension after the 2022 season.

Danny Trevathan’s contract has the option of being voided after the 2022 season, leaving the middle of the defense with a glaring hole to be filled through the draft or free agency. In addition, finding a way to utilize this cap relief to acquire a pass-rushing edge opposite of Khalil Mack will be critical for the strength of this defense. 2020 fifth-round EDGE Trevis Gipson is expected to be contributing at this point after recording 13 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss in his career at Tulane.