The Chicago Bears were sent into early hibernation following a disappointing 8-8 season marred by offensive deficiencies and underwhelming execution.
General manager Ryan Pace has a lot of work to do this offseason when it comes to addressing needs on the offensive and defensive sides of the football.
Here are the Bears’ top five positional needs this offseason:
1. Tight end
Arguably the most disappointing position group of the entire season were the tight ends, who were non-existent in the Bears offense this season. Chicago’s top three tight ends — Trey Burton, Adam Shaheen and Ben Braunecker — were all on injured reserve by season’s end. But even before that, they weren’t producing on the field.
The Bears can’t rely on injury-prone Burton and Shaheen to suddenly have breakout seasons in 2020. Pace needs to turn to free agency or the NFL Draft to bring in a production tight end that’s a necessity for Matt Nagy’s offense.
Possible options: Hunter Henry (UFA), Austin Hooper (UFA), Eric Ebron (UFA), Cole Kmet (Draft), Brycen Hopkins (Draft)
2. Quarterback
While Pace remained steadfast in his commitment to Mitchell Trubisky as the Bear’ starting quarterback in 2020, a lot can change between now and the start of the regular season. Chicago would do best to bring in competition for Trubisky — someone that the Bears could turn to if Trubisky struggles next season.
Regardless, the Bears’ quarterback room is expected to look much different next season, especially because Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray are both free agents this offseason. Both were brought in to help Trubisky learn Nagy’s offense. But the next group of quarterbacks shouldn’t be brought in for that reason alone.
Possible options: Marcus Mariota (UFA), Case Keenum (UFA), Jordan Love (Draft), Jacob Eason (Draft), Andy Dalton (Trade)
3. Offensive line
Considering the amount of money invested in the Bears offensive line, the unit simply needs to play better, especially when it comes to an anemic run game that never stood a chance. That’s what Juan Castillo was brought in as offensive line coach, and essentially will provide assistance in the run game. But the Bears are pretty much stuck with their core at offensive line — due to their cap hit — but they could turn to the draft for some young talent.
With Kyle Long confirming his retirement, the Bears will need to find his replacement at right guard. While there are in-house options with rookie Alex Bars and converted offensive lineman Rashaad Coward, the Bears can’t afford to go cheap at the position if that’s what’s required. Chicago did pay Bars to remain on team’s practice squad, which suggests he’s a part of their plans.
Possible options: Brandon Schereff (UFA), Michael Schofield (UFA), Austin Jackson (Draft), Prince Tega Wanogho (Draft)
4. Cornerback
While there aren’t many pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball, one area that the Bears need to address is at cornerback. Prince Amukamara, 31, showed that his time in Chicago might be coming to an end, following a season where he got burned too many times. After three interceptions last season, Amukamara has none in 2019.
Amukamara could certainly be a cap casualty, as the Bears could save $8 million in cap space if they part ways with him. A popular name to replace Amukamara in-house is Kevin Toliver, who in his second season impressed late down the stretch in relief of an injured Amukamara. Chicago could also turn to sixth-round pick Duke Shelley as an option.
While they could address cornerback through free agency, it would be an expensive option. But considering the deep class of cornerbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Bears would do well to use one of those second-round picks on a replacement for Amukamara.
Possible options: Chris Harris (UFA), Bradley Roby (UFA), Brashaud Breeland (UFA), Jaylon Johnson (Draft)
5. Edge rusher
While Khalil Mack remains the anchor of the Bears defense, Chicago needs 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.
The big question mark is the status of Leonard Floyd, who is entering his fifth season projected to make $13.8 million on his fifth-year option. But the production just hasn’t been there for Floyd, especially in 2018, where Ryan Pace and the coaching staff hyped him up. While Floyd tied a career high for quarterback hits with 12, he struggled converting those into sacks. After starting the season with two sacks against the Packers, Floyd managed just one sack in the final 15 games.
Aaron Lynch is another name that disappointed in the pass rush, and it’s an even bigger reason why the Bears need to address the position heading into an important 2020 season.
