Chicago Bears: 10 random thoughts heading into Week 7 vs the Bucs

These positions must be a priority for the Chicago Bears in the 2022 offseason

I touched on this a little already, but the Chicago Bears will need to focus on three key areas in the 2022 offseason. This will be tough without a first-round draft pick, but it’s not impossible. Free agency will need to be a priority and it cannot be the big splash moves, but more like strategic targeting.

Ryan Pace seems to have fixed the left tackle position for at least 2021. The problem is, Jason Peters will be 40 years old next year and they will not be able to risk bringing him back on another one-year deal. Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom need to both hit as viable options. Even if they don’t, the offensive line needs to be a priority.

Offensive Line

The key to winning in the NFL is having a legit quarterback who is paired with an offensive line that can keep him upright long enough for a play to develop. The Bears hopefully have their quarterback, but now they need to ensure they have an offensive line that can be at least average. The line has been decent at times, but now that Elijah Wilkinson is playing right tackle, the line looks bad once again.

The team can look to upgrade at both tackle spots still while their rookies develop. Upgrading the center position should be a focus too as Sam Mustipher has been serviceable, but not great.

Defensive Line

Akiem Hicks is not going to be around next season. The team needs to find some youth to not only play in his place but also succeed. Khyiris Tonga looks good, but they need more than just him. They need to find the face off the defensive line and Eddie Goldman, Mario Edwards and if brought back, Bilal Nichols are not the answer either.

Wide Receiver

As I mentioned earlier, Darnell Mooney is the only active wide receiver who will be under contract next season. The team will need to find some pass-catchers in the draft and through free agency. Allen Robinson will not be back on the roster unless they franchise tag him again, but why would they even want him back at this point?