The first wave of the 2024 Free Agency period has seen surprises and its share of head-scratching across the NFL landscape. Bears fans have expressed both shock and dismay with what Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles has done so far. Fans are perplexed with what hasn't been done.
Ryan Poles Stays On His Chosen Path
Ryan Poles believes the best way to build a team capable of competing for champions is via draft capital. He then looks for free agents to fill roster gaps WITHOUT overspending. So far, the plan is working. He has built a top-ten defense in only two seasons.
Analyzing What Has Been Done So Far
The first order of business was re-signing CB Jaylon Johnson. Poles made good on his promise when he said "Jaylon isn't going anywhere." Johnson was given a 4-year $76 Million extension.
After the team released veterans Eddie Jackson and Cody Whitehair, those vacancies were filled. Ryan Bates, who was signed to an offer sheet by Ryan Poles two years ago, was acquired in exchange for a 2024 5th-round pick. Bates immediately steps in as the starting center.
Poles then signed free-agent Safety Kevin Byard. Byard is an upgrade over the departed Jackson. Despite a down year in 2023, Byard was an All-Pro selection at Philadelphia and earned a Pro Bowl nomination in 2022. He is aggressive and not afraid of physical play.
New OC Shane Waldron gained a dynamic RB by signing former Eagles RB D'Andre Swift. Waldron utilizes a 2 TE set in his scheme so TE Gerald Everett was signed to a 2-year contract. Everett will complement Cole Kmet in the Bears' new offensive scheme.
Remaining Team Needs
This year's draft class is loaded with great prospects at wide receiver, edge, and center. Looking at what Poles has done in free agency, those positions are exactly what the Bears roster as currently constructed needs.
Ryan Poles Is Going To Trade The Top Pick
Ryan Poles has done a masterful job trading draft capital. There is reason to believe he will be very active this year as well. After filling roster gaps at Safety, Center, RB, and TE, Poles will begin to focus on the draft. Pay close attention to the players the Bears will bring to Halas Hall for their 30-player visits, each team is allowed.
The idea of trading the top pick is too hard to resist. It would not be surprising to see Ryan Pole make two or three trades on day one. Looking at the impressive prospects that would fill the holes listed above, trading for the draft capital to grab them this year makes sense.
Center
- Jackson Powers-Johnson
- Zach Frazier
- Sedrick Van Pran-Granger
- Tanor Bortolini
Edge
- Dallas Turner
- Laiatu Latu
- Jared Verse
- Chop Robinson
Wide Receiver
- Marvin Harrison
- Malik Nabers
- Rome Odunze
- Brian Thomas
Justin Fields Will Begin 2024 as QB1
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport dropped this bombshell earlier this week: The Bears have yet to shop Justin Fields
https://twitter.com/i/bookmarks?post_id=1767299969378361524
When you add up all the moves Poles has made as will as the moves yet made, it seems to paint the picture detailed above. Fields will get one last chance. The Bears would most likely refuse The 5th year option on Fields' rookie contract, making this season a one year "prove it" deal.
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