NEW DELHI: The
Chicago Bears
head into the offseason with a 7-10 record from the 2023 season and a notable decision looming regarding their quarterback position. The team has the option to retain
Justin Fields
for another season, utilizing a fifth-year option for the following year at a reasonable $1.6 million. This choice could allow the Bears to bolster their roster around Fields.
However, the alternative is to start afresh with options like
Caleb Williams
,
Jayden Daniels
, or
Drake Maye
, but this would restart the roster-building clock. Fields, while displaying incredible athleticism, is yet to definitively establish himself as a franchise quarterback after three seasons, with the Bears ranking 27th in passing and 20th in total offense last season.
Identified team needs for the Bears in the upcoming offseason include addressing positions like defensive end (DE), wide receiver (WR), free safety (FS), offensive line (OL), and tight end (TE). These areas are crucial for improving the team's performance and overall competitiveness.
Among the notable free agents for the Bears is cornerback Jaylon Johnson, a key player who may be headed for the franchise tag. Johnson is seeking to be one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, and negotiations are ongoing. If tagged, he would earn $19.8 million on a one-year tender, unless a long-term extension is agreed upon by mid-July.
The list of unrestricted free agents includes several impactful players such as linebacker Dylan Cole, running back D'Onta Foreman, and wide receiver Darnell Mooney. Meanwhile, the Bears have exclusive rights free agents like defensive back Josh Blackwell and wide receiver
Joe Reed
, presenting further considerations for the team's offseason plans.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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