The 2024 offseason will go down as a monumental shift in the history of the Chicago Bears.
It's going to be marked by the arrival of Caleb Williams, plus the rest of the additions Ryan Poles has made not only this offseason, but over the last couple of years.
The roster is ready to compete. The defense is already a top-10 unit, and the offense is catching up in a hurry.
How has this offseason, specifically, impacted key players on this roster?
Who stands as a big winner for the Bears this offseason? What about guys who haven't been as fortunate?
Winner: Cole Kmet, TE
Cole Kmet might qualify as a sneaky winner, here, but he certainly is. The Bears added additional weapons to the receiving core, upgraded the offensive line depth and also gave him a running mate in Gerald Everett.
Why does that make him a winner? It's pretty simple. Kmet has less pressure on his back, now, and should have a bit more room to work without as much focus on him from opposing defenses. He's coming off a career year and should have the best quarterback play he's had yet, with Caleb Williams in the fold.
Loser: Khalil Herbert, RB
With D'Onta Foreman heading into free agency earlier this offseason, it appeared as though Khalil Herbert would have a clear shot at being the Bears' starting running back once again. But, Chicago's first free agency signing was D'Andre Swift, and they paid him well.
Swift comes in as the clear-cut starter, now, pushing Herbert back. Along with having to account for Swift, Herbert will cede carries to second-year pro Roschon Johnson, whom the Bears invested a fourth rounder into last year.
Herbert will get touches, but he's no where near the role he'd be in if it weren't for the Swift signing.