In many ways, the Chicago Bears are in an enviable position this offseason. The team has some exciting young players, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and a ton of cap space.
Much has been made about whether the Bears will take a quarterback at No. 1, or if they will roll with Justin Fields. Another decision is what to do with head coach Matt Eberflus. Considering the coach has not been fired yet, it seems unlikely he will be at this point.
Assuming Eberflus is getting another chance, the coach will want to go all in for 2024. Today, let's discuss three bold moves the team should make this offseason.
Trade the No. 1 pick again and stick with Fields
Unless everything goes right, like the Houston Texans in 2023, most teams will struggle with a rookie QB. If the Bears want to make the playoffs in 2024, sticking with Fields is probably the best option. Fields improved again in 2023 and trading the pick could net another massive haul like the one the team got in 2023.
It may be tough to pass on Caleb WIlliams after passing on CJ Stroud and Bryce Young in 2023. However, the team may believe in Fields and value draft capital more. Say a team like the Giants or Falcons are desperate for a QB- they could offer Ryan Poles something too good to pass up.
Giving Fields one more season and giving him the best possible supporting cast is the way to go.
Trade for Maxx Crosby
Once again, the Bears struggled mightily to get sacks in 2023. If not for a mid-season trade for Montez Sweat, the team would have easily been the worst pass-rushing unit in the league. This offseason, the pass rush must be addressed. Enter Maxx Crosby.
On the surface, it seems insane to suggest a player of Crosby's caliber would be available. However, reports have surfaced that Crosby could force his way out of Las Vegas if the coaching search doesn't go the way he wants. Would the Raiders include Crosby in a trade for the No. 1 pick? The team does need a solution at QB, after all.
Landing Crosby would be a massive win for the Bears. Crosby has solidified himself as one of the best pass rushers in the league and would immediately upgrade the Bears' front seven.
Pay Jaylon Johnson
Statistically, Jaylon Johnson was one of the best corners in the league in 2023. The corner finished with a stellar 90.8 PFF grade in 2023 and is set to get a massive payday this offseason. Johnson tied for the team lead with 4 interceptions as well.
Spotrac projects the corner to command $15.7M annually on a new deal. This is a high price, but the corner proved his worth in 2023. Locking up Johnson to go with the impressive young Tyrique Stevenson will give the Bears one of the best corner duos in the league.