Offense is going to be the focus this offseason for the Chicago Bears. That isn't hard to predict. This is why GM Ryan Pace has gotten his defensive responsibilities out of the way. Eddie Jackson is locked up long-term. Danny Trevathan is back on a new deal as well. Everything points to him and the front office dedicating the rest of their time and resources to improving a unit that finished 27th last season in scoring and yards.
The problem is resources. To be blunt, they don't have a lot. After the Trevathan deal, they could have no more than $20 million in salary cap space. Unless they make a move to free up more, this means it is unlikely they will make any sort of notable splash move on the veteran market. That said, playing the bargain route can work if a team finds the right players.
Here is a breakdown of every position group and five names that could be had for affordable prices in the next couple of weeks.
Chicago Bears should have a few cheap options everywhere
Quarterback
- Case Keenum
- Marcus Mariota
- Nate Sudfeld
- Matt Moore
- A.J. McCarron
Keenum has started 38 games since 2017 with 51 touchdown passes and 27 interceptions. He helped Minnesota reach the NFC championship game in 2017 but struggled to help two rebuilding teams in Denver and Washington. Mariota is a former #2 overall pick who had his bright moments in Tennessee but was plagued by inconsistency. Much of it the result of constant coaching and scheme changes by the Titans.
Sudfeld has served as a backup in Philadelphia for the past couple of years, learning under Nagy colleague Doug Pederson. He has physical upside that might be worth exploring. Moore is a longtime veteran who started two games in Kansas City last year, throwing for 659 yards and four touchdowns. McCarron is a longtime backup with a reputation for being a game manager. He went 2-1 back in 2015 with an efficient 854 yards, six TDs, and two interceptions.
Running back
- Carlos Hyde
- Theo Riddick
- Jordan Howard
- Jonathan Williams
- Ty Montgomery
Hyde is probably one of the more underappreciated backs of the past few years. He topped 1,000 yards rushing last season for Houston and can be a capable receiver out of the backfield. Riddick isn't a notable runner but he's one of the better receiving backs in the league. Howard? Well, we all know what he brings to the table. Maybe the Bears didn't know what they had until he was gone.
Williams hasn't really gotten an opportunity to play much but was highly effective when called upon last season, topping 100 yards twice in just four appearances. Montgomery is a versatile back who also can be a nice help on special teams.
Wide receiver
- Randall Cobb
- DeMarcus Robinson
- Travis Benjamin
- Jermaine Kearse
- Pharoh Cooper
Cobb reminded everybody in 2019 that he can still play at a high level, topping 800 yards receiving at 15.1 yards per catch. Robinson lived in the shadow of other great receivers in Kansas City but made his fair share of big catches en route to a Super Bowl championship. His knowledge of that offensive scheme would appeal to the Bears. Benjamin is a former speed demon who's endured some tough injury luck the past few years. When healthy though he can still run.
Kearse was a competent receiver from 2014 to 2017, topping at least 500 yards each year ending with a career-best in 810 in 2018. However, a switch to the less aggressive Adam Gase system last year saw his effectiveness tank. Cooper has never been much of a receiving threat, but his ability as a returner is something of significant value.
Tight end
- Tyler Eifert
- Blake Jarwin
- Jason Witten
- Luke Willson
- Clive Walford
Eifert was an emerging star in 2015 with 13 TD catches. Then injuries plagued him for the next three years. Rather than succumb, he battled back to start every game last season, posting a respectable 436 yards for a bad football team. Jarwin's production won't look like much, but that's largely because he's been a backup for years. His skill set suggests he is capable of a much bigger role, provided a team is willing to make him an offer as a restricted free agent.
Witten is ancient at 37-years old but also a future Hall of Famer. He had over 500 yards last season in Dallas and hasn't missed a single game since his rookie year in 2003. Willson is a solid blocker who has served as an occasional pass target known for making some big-moment catches. Walford is a former 3rd round pick who looked like he could develop into a legitimate weapon but fell out of favor in Oakland and hasn't found somebody willing to give him a chance the past two years.
Offensive line
- Austin Blythe
- Stefan Wisniewski
- George Fant
- Connor McGovern
- Kelvin Beachum
Blythe is a 28-year old who worked his way up from 7th round pick to starter for the Rams. He's a steady pass blocker who did solid work in the Los Angeles ground game as well. Wisniewski is a longtime veteran who has served as a capable backup for years. He has loads of experience in this offensive system too, having won Super Bowls in Philadelphia and Kansas City.
Fant brings starting experience at both right and left tackle from Seattle. He's got size and athleticism and seems to have shown steady improvement the past three years. McGovern filled in at center for Denver last season and was a decent blocker, especially for their ground attack. Beachum has played in a league for a long time and started for multiple teams. His experience would be most welcome on the depth chart.
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