Every Chicago Bears 2023 mock offseason to this point hasn't dealt with notable names being taken off the table. That finally changed this week as prominent free agents Elgton Jenkins and Jack Conklin both signed extensions with their respective teams. That presents a challenge to GM Ryan Poles in his quest to upgrade this roster. Simply throwing money at the offensive line is no longer the easy course of action. So he'll have to get more creative in solving that problem.
This isn't any reason to panic. There is always a way to improve a roster every year. It's only a matter of finding the right path. Poles has plenty of resources to make that happen. The trick is spending them wisely. Don't overpay the wrong players, and don't overthink his draft picks. That could be challenging for a young GM. Ask Ryan Pace. Poles has his quarterback. The coaching staff has proven itself to be capable. His job is straightforward. Add good players.
This Chicago Bears 2023 mock offseason needed adjustments
Cuts:
DE Al-Quadin Muhammad - $4 million saved
Trades:
OG Cody Whitehair to Commanders for 6th round pick in 2024
Re-signings/Extensions:
- Jaylon Johnson – 4-year extension for $70 million
- David Montgomery – 3-year deal for $27 million
- Cole Kmet – 4-year extension for $32.4 million
- Nicholas Morrow – 2-year deal for $10 million
- Armon Watts – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- Equanimeous St. Brown – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- N’Keal Harry – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- Trevon Wesco – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- Matthew Adams – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- Dane Cruikshank – 1-year deal for $1.08 million
- DeAndre Houston-Carson – 1-year deal for $1.165 million
- Patrick Scales – 1-year deal $1.165 million
- Josh Blackwell – ERFA deal for $750,000
Free Agency:
DT Da'Ron Payne - 5-year deal for $72 million
Chicago's defense can't function at its highest level without a proper three-technique defensive tackle that can dominate the interior. Payne was not considered a pass rush presence early in his career. That began to change in late 2020. Over the past 35 games, Payne has had 15 sacks and 34 quarterback hits. His 8.5 sacks in 2022 is a career-high, and he still might add to it. He'll be 26 next year. The Bears would get him in his prime.
OT Mike McGlinchey - 4-year deal for $44 million
While not an elite pass protector, McGlinchey has been a steady presence for San Francisco at right tackle since he was drafted in the 1st round. He has a deep knowledge of Chicago's scheme since it's similar to the 49ers'. His run-blocking would be an immediate asset for them, opening lanes for Montgomery, Khalil Herbert, and Justin Fields. His Notre Dame background also means he has ties to the region.
WR Michael Thomas - 1-year deal for $10 million
New Orleans is in a cap crunch again this off-season. They're going to cut costs and Thomas is a likely sacrifice. The former All-Pro has been haunted by injuries since 2020, missing a combined 37 games. Teams will wonder, justifiably so, whether he can ever recapture his old form. The Bears decide to take a calculated risk, signing him to a one-year deal in hopes he can resume being the star he was in 2019.
CB Dane Jackson (RFA) - 4-year offer for $48 million
Poles has already shown he's willing to make offers to restricted free agents if he feels they're worth the effort. Jackson is absolutely worth the effort. The former 7th round pick has blossomed into a quality cornerback for Buffalo, nabbing two interceptions with 12 passes defended this year. QBs have a 78.1 passer rating when targeting him. He'd be a nice third man alongside Johnson and Kyler Gordon.
The Draft:
1st Round - Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Many fans want this Bears 2023 mock offseason to continue the tradition of trading down for more picks. The truth is the team has a legitimate chance to land a generational talent with the #2 pick. They need more of those if they want to compete for a championship. So Poles stays put and decides to beef up his defensive line with a sorely needed edge rusher. Anderson is a sack machine for the Crimson Tide. He can win with power, finesse, or speed. He's smart and understands how to rush with a plan. Even better, he's a determined run defender too. The scary part is he still has growing to do.
2nd Round (via BAL) - Andrew Vorhees, OG, USC
The Bears have said they want to get more violent up front. Vorhees epitomizes that. He's nasty as a run blocker with the size and power to back it up. Defenders hate him. While his pass protection needs some work, it isn't bad. His ability to anchor against bull rushes is a big asset. Once he learns how to handle quicker interior defensive linemen, he will be a quality starter at guard for any team. He and Teven Jenkins in the middle is a combo nobody will want to see.
Trade: #65 pick and 5th in 2023 to Patriots for #71 pick and 4th in 2023
3rd Round (via NE) - John Michael Schmitz, C, Minnesota
NFL teams tend to shy away from older rookies. Poles has already proven such things don't scare him. Schmitz will be a 24-year-old rookie next season. Don't worry about that. The Gophers center is well-built and powerful. His technique and footwork make him an excellent pass protector, something the Bears need on the interior in the worst way. Some will question his ability to work in space. Don't worry about it. His athleticism is more than adequate for the task at hand.
4th Round - Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan
It's always been difficult for receivers to shine at Michigan because they're a run-first program and have never fielded overly great quarterbacks. Still, the program has sent some good pass-catchers to the NFL recently, such as Donovan Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins. Cornelius Johnson should be another. He has good size at 6'3 with underrated speed. When given opportunities, he always seems to produce a big play.
Trade: #99 pick to Falcons for #102 pick and 6th in 2023
4th Round (via ATL) - DJ Turner, CB, Michigan
Another Wolverine. Jim Harbaugh is consistent at one thing. He finds defensive players that are tough and physical. Turner is no exception. He might be light at 180 lbs, but he plays bigger than that. He'll match up with any receiver in man coverage and shows the awareness and discipline to be a pest in zone. His three interceptions and 17 passes defended over the past two years showcase his ball skills too.
5th Round - Mikel Jones, LB, Syracuse
The thing about the 4-3 defense is it requires linebackers with specific traits. The WILL spot is the most important in it. Those linebackers must be fast, athletic, and good tacklers. Jones has those traits. His four interceptions in 2020 proved he could play in coverage. His 193 tackles over the past two years prove he can corral ball carriers too. You'll have to look past his smaller 6'1 stature.
6th Round (via ATL) - Ji'Ayir Brown, S, Penn State
Chicago has had lots of success in recent years drafting Penn State safeties. Adrian Amos in 2015. Now Jaquan Brisker in 2022. Why not go to the well again? Brown is only 5'11, which is short for a safety. However, that doesn't stop him from making loads of plays. He has nine interceptions, three sacks, and three forced fumbles in the past two years. This Bears 2023 mock offseason is about collecting playmakers. He is one.
7th Round - Josh Whyle, TE, Cincinnati
His numbers aren't overly impressive, but Whyle has been a steady, reliable presence in the passing game for three years. He's 6'6 with good athleticism, adequate speed, and strong hands. He can threaten opponents up the seam. Like most young tight ends, he must improve his route running and refine his blocking.
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