The Chicago Bears are entering the 2024 campaign with legitimate expectations. A successful season would mean the Bears contended for a postseason spot while rookie No. 1 overall quarterback Caleb Williams establishes himself as the face of the franchise.
The Bears decided to usher in a new era this offseason by trading quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Admitting defeat on their 2021 first-round passer, general manager Ryan Poles understandably couldn't pass up the chance to select Williams after inheriting the opportunity from the Carolina Panthers.
Poles immediately went to work on ensuring Williams had the supporting cast necessary to experience immediate success, something Fields only sometimes had. Despite having an outstanding No. 1 receiver on the roster in D.J. Moore, Poles also traded a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen.
Approximately six weeks later, Poles drafted former Washington Huskies receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall selection. In one offseason, the Bears have completely transformed their wide receiver room, now rostering one of the deepest rotations of wideouts in the entire league.
We could get used to this 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Ps02poArjz
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 30, 2024
Poles has been relentless this offseason. Running back D’Andre Swift was signed to a lucrative three-year contract. Gerald Everett joined a tight end room that got a breakout season from Cole Kmet last year. Every measure has been taken to guarantee Williams won’t lack pass-catching weapons.
An offensive line that allowed the seventh-most sacks (50) last season has also been given some reinforcements. It’s a projection, but the acquisitions of Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton should strengthen the interior. Yale offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie was drafted in the third round to serve as a potential future solution at left tackle.
Defensively, Poles mostly stayed the course this offseason. Superstar cornerback Jaylon Johnson was signed to a four-year extension. The Bears could have one of the best trio of cornerbacks in the league this season with Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon. Veteran safety Kevin Byard was signed in free agency to round out the secondary.
There are questions present across the defensive line. A full season of Montez Sweat should lead to better sack production, but who plays opposite him is a concern. The Bears will also rely on sophomore defensive tackles Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens to take desirable steps forward to replace Justin Jones, who joined the Arizona Cardinals.
There is a substantial amount of pressure on head coach Matt Eberflus to deliver results this season. Eberflus was retained despite posting a 10-24 record through two seasons in charge. Poles' decision insinuated personnel, not coaching, has been the Bears' issue. Adding Williams and a slew of offensive talent removes any built-in excuses from the equation.
The Bears haven't qualified for the postseason since 2020, and they haven't won the NFC North since 2018. The division has evolved in recent years but remains a difficult one to win given the Detroit Lions' recent ascension. The Green Bay Packers quickly reloaded following Aaron Rodgers' departure, and the Minnesota Vikings are unknown wild cards with Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy at quarterback.
For an organization long deprived of high-level quarterback performance, nothing matters more than Williams proving worthy of the No. 1 overall pick this season. If Williams is as good as advertised, the Bears possess a deep surrounding roster that should contend for the postseason.
