The Chicago Bears are looking to rebound following a disappointing season in 2019. But they’ll have to do it without several players from last year, who departed in free agency or were released by the team.
General manager Ryan Pace has been busy this offseason adding players to this roster that he believes will help the Bears in 2020 and beyond. Whether it was free agency or the 2020 NFL Draft, Chicago is banking on these additions to help them get back to the postseason.
Here are the Bears’ eight biggest additions this offseason.
1. EDGE Robert Quinn
Ultimately, pass rushers are judged by how they get after the quarterback. And the Bears couldn’t justify paying Leonard Floyd $13.2 million for his production. Chicago was able to lock up former All-Pro Robert Quinn, which serves to do wonders for their pass rush. With both Khalil Mack and Quinn coming off the edge, teams are going to have to pick their poison.
2. QB Nick Foles
The Bears brought in an experienced veteran in Nick Foles to battle Mitchell Trubisky for the starting quarterback job. Given the shortened offseason, which lacked on-field workouts, if the Bears wanted to bring in a veteran that could challenge Trubisky for the starting job, Foles was the best guy for the job. He has experience in operating in an offense like Matt Nagy’s, which could prove invaluable.
3. CB Jaylon Johnson
The Bears got a steal in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who is the favorite to win the starting job opposite Kyle Fuller. Following the release of Prince Amukamara earlier this offseason, the Bears need to find a reliable starter opposite Fuller. And Johnson could be one of those players for the future.
4. SS Tashaun Gipson
The Bears locked up a veteran safety in Tashaun Gipson, who replaces the departed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson. Gipson will fill the strong safety role, which will allow Jackson to move back to free safety, where he made a name for himself as a ballhawk in his first two seasons. Gipson himself has been a playmaker as he’s recorded at least one interception every season in his eight-year career.
5. TE Cole Kmet
The Bears got the best tight end in the 2020 NFL Draft with Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet, who figures to serve a big role as a rookie. Given the struggles at tight end last season, Chicago is in desperate need for playmakers at the position. Kmet will occupy the “Y” tight end spot, but he’s a playmaker that Nagy can utilize in his offense.
6. Jimmy Graham
The Bears brought in veteran Jimmy Graham to occupy the “U” tight end spot, who replaces the departed Trey Burton. While Graham is far from his former dominant self, there’s a case to be made that he wasn’t utilized in Green Bay’s offense. Given the importance of the tight end in Nagy’s offense, perhaps Graham will have a bigger impact in Chicago.
7. OL Germain Ifedi
Following Kyle Long’s retirement, the Bears had a vacant right guard spot to fill. They appeared to have filled it with veteran offensive lineman Germain Ifedi. Ifedi was a four-year starter with the Seattle Seahawks. While Ifedi played mostly right tackle, he has experience playing guard, as well.
8. Coaches Bill Lazor, John DeFilippo, Juan Castillo, Clancy Barone
Perhaps some of the most important offseason additions aren’t players at all. Matt Nagy overhauled his offensive staff by bringing in four new offensive minds that will help him right one of the worst offenses in the league last season. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo, offensive line coach Juan Castillo and tight ends coach Clancy Barone all specialize in specific areas of need that the Bears offense needs to fix heading into 2020.
