3 Chicago Bears players most important to the team's success in 2024

The Chicago Bears have one of the most improved rosters of any NFL team heading into the 2024 season and there is reason for optimism for what the first year in the NFL could behold for Bears' rookie starting quarterback Caleb Williams.

On offense, Williams has plenty of playmakers to work with as D'Andre Swift, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, and Gerald Everett arrive on an offense that already included DJ Moore and Cole Kmet.

On defense, the Bears did not make any major additions, though, Kevin Byard could be an unsung addition if he is able to return to his All-Pro level.

That is where we begin in looking at three Bears' players who will be most important to the team's success in 2024.

Kevin Byard, Safety

• Byard was one of the few additions that the Bears made to their defense this offseason but could be the most important. After being traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles in-season during the 2023 season, Byard took a large amount of the blame for the downfall of the Eagles' defense during the second half of the season. In a Bears' secondary that includes Jaylon Johnson, Jaquan Brisker, and Tyrique Stevenson, Byard doesn't have to be the savior like he had to be with the Eagles. If Byard reverts back to his ball-hawk ways, that would be a great sign for the Bears' defense.

Braxton Jones, Left Tackle

• Braxton Jones did not take a step forward in his development as a starting left tackle during his sophomore campaign in 2023, which has fueled the belief that the Bears should look for an upgrade. Jones is still a worthwhile starting left tackle for a team short of options but it shouldn't be ruled out that he sees the development that was supposed to come in 2023 arrive in 2024. If that is the case, the Bears' offensive line outlook is much brighter.

Caleb Williams, Quarterback

• It's no secret that the Bears are expected to be better in 2024 because of Caleb Williams. If Caleb Williams proves to be a better passing quarterback than Justin Fields ever was with the Bears, 2024 could be a breakout season for the team as a whole.