Every iteration of the Chicago Bears' 2024 mock offseason has been left with questions due to the uncertainty of the coaching staff. That is no longer an issue. Matt Eberflus is staying. Shane Waldron is the new offensive coordinator. We now have a decent idea of what the vision will be for this team moving forward. Defensively, it will remain the same. Offensively, there could be some adjustments to their preferences at both quarterback and wide receiver. Things could get interesting in unexpected ways.
One thing I expect to happen this spring is GM Ryan Poles making a concerted effort to surround his quarterback with as much weaponry as possible. Here is a way I think he could go about it.
Prepare for some twists in this Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason.
Trades:
QB Justin Fields to the Patriots for 2nd in 2024 and 4th in 2024
Most people assume New England is locked into a quarterback at #3 overall. However, that might not be true. Their roster is in no condition to handle developing a young quarterback. The smarter play for them might be acquiring a veteran and pairing him with Marvin Harrison Jr. Since Fields and Harrison have an established friendship, it makes plenty of sense to reunite the two. Or the Patriots could trade #3 to secure more draft assets to help a looming rebuild.
4th round pick (via PHI) to the Browns for WR Amari Cooper
Cleveland is in a tough spot. They are $19 million over the salary cap. It will require some serious financial maneuvering to get back under the ceiling. Though Cooper has been a tremendous addition to their passing game, trading him would secure over $12 million in cap space. He's turning 30 this year. It might be best to squeeze a higher draft choice than they gave up to get him while they can. Conversely, the Bears nab a Pro Bowl target to pair with D.J. Moore.
Cuts:
- OL Cody Whitehair - $9.15 million saved
- S Eddie Jackson - $12.56 million saved
Re-signings/Extensions:
- CB Jaylon Johnson - 4-year extension for $80 million
- DT Justin Jones - 2-year extension for $14 million
- WR Equanimeous St. Brown - 1-year deal for $1.125 million
- CB Josh Blackwell - ERFA deal for $915,000
- CB Greg Stroman - 1-year deal for $1.125 million
- LB Dylan Cole - 1-year deal for $1.125 million
- LS Patrick Scales - 1-year deal for $1.21 million
Free Agency:
- EDGE A.J. Epenesa - 3-year deal for $21 million
- WR K.J. Osborn - 2-year deal for $10 million
- S Julian Blackmon - 2-year deal for $11.5 million
- C Connor Williams - 1-year deal for $6 million
- RB Antonio Gibson - 1-year deal for $3 million
Epenesa has ties to new Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington, collecting 6.5 sacks in 2023. He also has the size, length, and power Matt Eberflus prefers in his defensive linemen. Osborn has been a steady and reliable WR3 over the past two years for Minnesota, good for around 600 yards and 4-5 touchdowns every year. Blackmon played under Eberflus for a few years in Indianapolis and knows this defense well. Williams is an excellent scheme fit for this offense, presuming his knee returns to 100% after an ACL tear. Gibson is a versatile threat out of the backfield, especially as a pass catcher.
The Draft:
Trade: #1 pick to Washington for #2 pick, #40 pick, and 1st in 2025
1st Round (via WSH) - Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Everybody has heard the rumors about Washington and Kliff Kingsbury. So, in this Bears 2024 mock offseason, we embrace that scenario. The Commanders are so desperate to bring the hometown kid Caleb Williams home that they give up the Bears' original 2nd round pick and a 1st next year for the privilege. Once done, they take the QB who many believe is actually the most talented in this class. Maye draws comparisons to Josh Allen and Justin Herbert. He's big, strong, aggressive, accurate, and has the strongest arm in the class. He also might be the best fit for Shane Waldron's new system.
1st Round - Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Having solved the wide receiver issue with Cooper's arrival, the Bears upgrade their arsenal of weapons from a different angle. While Cole Kmet has been a rock-solid tight end for the organization, he doesn't bring enough explosiveness or matchup versatility that guys like George Kittle or Travis Kelce do. That changes with Bowers' arrival. He combines a 6'4, 240 lbs frame with speed, route-running, and soft hands. You can move him anywhere on the field and he's going to be difficult to cover.
2nd Round (via NE) - Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
One thing we've learned about this Bears regime is they love big, long, and athletic defensive linemen. Robinson checks all of those boxes with a 6'5 frame, 290 lbs, and 34-inch arms. He coupled this with an excellent finish to 2023 and a strong performance in the Senior Bowl. He embodies everything the Bears want from a 4-3 defensive end. If he's somehow there in the 2nd, this is an easy decision.
2nd Round - Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
Williams might be the temporary solution at center, but the Bears need somebody long-term. Frazier is a terrific fit for their wide-zone system thanks to his mobility and intelligence. He's a former amateur wrestling champion and it shows in his toughness, strength, and body control. Frazier is never out of position. He may not be ready right away due to a broken leg, but he's got stud written all over him.
3rd Round - Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Interior pass rush is a must in this defense. While Gervon Dexter and Justin Jones formed a nice combo last year, there is every reason to keep loading up at that position. Fiske finished 2023 on a tear for the Seminoles, showcasing burst, quickness, power, and a red-hot motor. The guy is always in seek-and-destroy mode.
4th Round (via NE) - Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
While Michigan didn't throw the ball a ton this year, Wilson was their undeniable ace in big moments with 12 touchdowns. He was crucial to their national championship run and showcased his solid vertical speed, Velcro hands, and alpha mentality. There isn't anything special about his skills, but he's got that "it" factor.
4th Round - Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
Athletic safeties with ball skills will never be turned about in this defense. Hick is such an instinctive player, able to get his hands on the football often. He also brings great size at 6'3. His speed isn't much to write home about and he'll have to work on his tackling. Still, there is a ton of upside with him.
5th Round - Isaiah Adams, OT, Illinois
He played well as a tackle in college, but many see his future on the inside. Either way, Adams' nastiness, motor, size, and strength will immediately appeal to the Bears. He is a smart, experienced player who is difficult to move off his spot thanks to a strong anchor.
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