The Chicago Bears have no shortage of needs this offseason as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2019 season. The offense will require plenty of work this offseason, which has already begun with the hiring of four new offensive coaches in Bill Lazor, John DeFilippo, Juan Castillo and Clancy Barone.
With free agency just about a month away, the Bears have plenty of needs they could address at the start of the new league year in regards to their roster.
Here are the Bears’ top five positional needs for free agency:
1. Quarterback
Finding a veteran quarterback to challenge incumbent Mitchell Trubisky will surely be the Bears’ biggest priority in free agency. While general manager Ryan Pace has publicly voiced his support of Trubisky, what he does at the quarterback position this offseason will speak louder than than his words.
Considering the Bears are in a bit of crunch as far as the salary cap goes, they likely won’t be able to afford some of the high-profile free agents, like Teddy Bridgewater. Instead, expect the Bears to bring in an experienced veteran quarterback that will challenge Trubisky but won’t necessarily be anointed the starter upon arrival, perhaps a Marcus Mariota or Case Keenum.
2. Tight end
One of the positional groups expected to undergo the biggest overhaul this offseason is the tight end position, which was one of the more disappointing units in 2019. While the Bears will likely stick with veteran Trey Burton, who would be a $7.5 million dead cap hit if they release him, the same can’t be said for former second overall draft pick Adam Shaheen. Shaheen will likely be on the roster come training camp, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster.
While the Bears are expected to target a tight end in the NFL Draft, they could certainly improve the position through free agency, as well, considering the importance of the tight end position in Matt Nagy’s offense. There will be no shortage of viable free agent tight ends on the market, among them Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper and Eric Ebron.
3. Offensive line
Considering the amount of money invested in the offensive line, the Bears expect better production out of a unit that includes three of the highest-paid players on the team in Charles Leno Jr., Bobby Massie and Cody Whitehair. Chicago is essentially stuck with what they’ve got for at least another season, aside from right guard, where they need to replace the retired Kyle Long.
While the Bears are likely to turn to the NFL Draft for their offensive line needs, there are definitely options if the Bears want to improve at guard or tackle, as names like tackle Kelvin Beachum and guard Brandon Scherff are set to hit the open market.
4. Defensive back
The Bears need to address depth concerns in their defensive backfield this offseason. Cornerback Prince Amukamara figures to be a cap-casualty — as he’s due to free up $9 million in cap space — and the Bears will be looking for someone to line up opposite Kyle Fuller. Whether that’s in-house with Kevin Toliver or through the NFL Draft, free agency also has some cornerbacks hitting the open market, including Kyle’s brother Kendall Fuller.
Safety is also a need for the Bears, who could lose two safeties to free agency in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Deon Bush. If the Bears don’t re-sign Clinton-Dix, they’ll need to find someone to line up opposite newly-extended safety Eddie Jackson, preferably at strong safety. Someone like Anthony Harris would allow Jackson to return to his natural position at free safety.
5. Edge rusher
While Khalil Mack remains the anchor of Chicago’s defense, the Bears need to shore up its disappointing pass rush from a season ago. Production was down as a unit for the pass rush — the Bears had 32 sacks, which was 18 less than last season. Leonard Floyd and Aaron Lynch both disappointed in 2019, and the Bears need to find a viable option opposite Mack.
There will be options to address pass rusher in free agency, including names like Shaquil Barrett and Carl Nassib. Although pending free agent Jadeveon Clowney seems like a pipe dream.
