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Bears Offseason Roundup: Recapping Free Agency, 2024 NFL Draft, Key Dates & More

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With the 2024 NFL Draft in the rearview, now is a good time to examine the Chicago Bears’ offseason. This is a living document and will be refreshed throughout the rest of the offseason with the latest news on signings, cuts, rumors, and more.

Be sure to check back for updates and feel free to jump directly to a specific section.

Bears Offseason Overview

It’s been an eventful offseason that has provided as many surprises as any in recent memory. General Manager Ryan Poles has reshaped the roster in his image.

Only eight players remain from the roster he took over following the 2021 season. That’s including cornerback Jaylon Johnson who signed a four-year, $76 million contract extension. Johnson became the latest pre-Poles player to be rewarded by the Poles with a new contract.

He joins kicker Cairo Santos, long snapper Patrick Mannely, and tight end Cole Kmet. Poles’ work continued this offseason, moving on from several notable franchise figures.

“We’re extremely excited to be able to keep Jaylon here for the next four years. … He’s an integral part of our defense and his leadership will help our team continue to ascend. We want to thank Chris Ellison for helping get this extension done.”

GM Ryan Poles, per ChicagoBears.com’s Larry Mayer

Bears Offseason Losses (Cuts & Trades)

The Bears lost several players this offseason to free agency, including defensive tackle and locker room leader Justin Jones. But they also actively parted with others in moves that further exemplified Poles’ takeover.

Cody Whitehair: The Bears cut Cody Whitehair in what can be argued was a move driven as much by the financial aspect as his diminishing play. Whitehair was the second longest-tenured Bears player but lost his start spot last season. He signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

Eddie Jackson: The Bears officially parted with Eddie Jackson on the same day as Whitehair. The veteran safety had hinted such a move could be coming though. He had endured injuries and inconsistent play in his last few tours with the Bears.

Justin Fields: In his most significant move, Poles traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The return can be quibbled over. But it is inarguable that Fields landed in a positive situation in Pittsburgh with a chance to compete for the starting job.

Bears Cut P Trenton Gil: The Bears announced they waived former seventh-round pick and punter Trenton Gill. With the arrival of Taylor, Gill’s tenure comes to an unceremonious end.

Bears Offseason Additions (Free Agency & Trades)

This offseason rivaled the last two under Poles in terms of volume. The usual staples – filling needs in free agency and draft day trades – were both present. Their free agency haul was less celebrated this season compared to last. But it could be just as impactful.

Ryan Bates – IOL: The Bears targeted Ryan Bates last season. They signed the interior lineman to an offer sheet as a restricted free agent. The Buffalo Bills matched that offer, holding on to the versatile Bates. He finally landed with Chicago via trade this offseason. Bates did not start a game in 2023.

Tarvarius Moore: The Bears signed Tarvarius Moore to a one-year, 1.25 million contract in free agency. A former Green Bay Packer, Moore did not see the field in 2022. He figures to factor mostly on special teams.

Kevin Byard – S: A two-time Pro Bowler, safety Kevin Byard signed a two-year, $15 million contract in free agency. The former Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles defender figures to step into the void left by Jackson’s departure.

D’Andre Swift – RB: Chicago added former Detroit Lions second-round pick D’Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million contract. Coming off his first 1,000-yard campaign with the Eagles, Swift joins Khalil Herbert and 2023 fifth-round pick Roschon Johnson in a revamped running game.

Gerald Everett – TE: The Bears brought in Robert Tonyan last offseason but the union failed to launch. Former Los Angeles Chargers star Gerald Everett signed a two-year, $12 million pact in free agency as the Bears attempt to find a dynamic receiving threat to pair with Kmet.

Jonathan Owens – S: Another former Packer, Jonathan Owens inked a two-year, $4.7 million contract in free agency. He brings starting experience – 28 starts in 34 games the last two seasons – and can also play special teams.

Matt Pryor – OL: What Bates is to the interior of the offensive line, Matt Pryor figures to be on the outside, bringing the ability to play guard or tackle after signing a one-year, $1.2 million contract in free agency from the San Francisco 49ers.

Brett Rypien – QB: A 27-year-old former UDFA, Brett Rypien is the Bears’ most experienced QB with 168 passing attempts in 10 appearances (four starts) across his four seasons. He is on a one-year, $1.1 million contract and is familiar with Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron.

Amen Ogbongbemiga – LB: The Bears added several former Chargers, including linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga. He signed a one-year, $2.1 million contract in free agency. Listed at 6-foot and 231 pounds, Ogbongbemiga should be a core part of the Bears’ special teams.

Coleman Shelton – C: Former Los Angeles Rams starter Coleman Shelton should have the leg up on the competition to start at center next season if not get the job outright. He signed a one-year, $3 million contract in free agency and has 30 starts at center over the last two seasons.

Jake Curhan – OT: The Bears gave reserve tackle Jake Curhan a one-year, $1 million contract in free agency this offseason. Like Rypien (and Everett), Curhan has experience in Waldron’s offense. He spent the last three seasons in Seattle with the Seahawks.

Keenan Allen – WR: In one of the moves that forecasted their draft plans, the Bears traded a fourth-round pick to the Chargers for Keenan Allen. Coming off what he said was his best season as a pro, Allen brings a security blanket in the slot for the new QB 1 (more on that shortly).

Dante Pettis – WR: Veteran Dante Pettis is technically a re-tread, having spent the last two seasons with the organization. But he did not log a snap in 2023 and signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract in free agency to return.

Jake Martin – EDGE: The Bears are Jacob Martin’s sixth team in what will be his seventh NFL season. He signed a one-year, $1 million pact in free agency and should join Ogbongbemiga in a revamped special teams unit.

Byron Cowart – DT: A former New England Patriot and Indianapolis Colt (post-Matt Eberflus), Byron Cowart signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract in free agency. He has seen more than 20% of his teams’ defensive or special teams snaps just once in his three-year career – back in 2020.

https://youtu.be/kYBO0-EU0K4?si=eYXtpgWl23QF3qhV

Bears 2024 Draft Results

The Bears came away with five players in the 2024 draft, adding Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in the first round, offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie in the third, punter Tory Taylor in the fourth, and edge rusher Austin Brooks in the fifth.

Here is a look at how each member of the class could impact the 2024 season.

Caleb Williams – QB – Round 1 Pick 1: The No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 draft is QB1 for the Bears right out of the gates with only second-year UDFA Tyson Bagent and Rypien as the experienced QBs on the roster. The Bears have done well to surround him with the tools – like his friend, Allen – to be successful.

Rome Odunze – WR – Round 1 Pick 9: The Bears give Williams a big-bodied playmaker to grow with, something they have lacked in recent years despite attempts to add it. Odunze should immediately slot into three wide-receiver sets opposite DJ Moore with Keenan Allen working the slot.

Kiran Amegadjie – OT – Round 3 Pick 75: The big takeaway from Poles’ post-draft press conference was that the Bears view the local product, Amegadjie, as a long-term developmental piece that could be a viable swing tackle in the interim. But the same was said about current starting left tackle Braxton Jones.

Tory Taylor – P – Round 4 Pick 122: The Bears made Taylor the first specialist selected in the 2024 draft using what was at the time their final pick. Taylor was a weapon for Iowa last season. But the pick speaks volumes about how they viewed the state of their punting game after last season.

Austin Booker – EDGE – Round 5 Pick 144 (via BUF): The Bears traded a future fourth-round pick to re-acquire the pick they sent to the Buffalo Bills for offensive lineman Ryan Bates. They used that pick to select Booker, who NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared to Raiders star Maxx Crosby.

The draft is just where the work begins, though.

“If you told me we would end up with both Caleb and Rome weeks ago, I would’ve said you were crazy.”

 

Ryan Poles

Bears UDFA Tracker

The Bears quickly began agreeing to terms with some priority undrafted free agents and sent out camp invites to others. Here is a running list of those players.

Reddy Steward – CB – Troy: Clocker Sports tracked the Bears’ pre-draft interest in Steward, who brings versatility to the defensive backfield. The Bears are deep at the position, so it could be difficult for him to stick on the roster. And he might get poached if they put him on the practice squad.

Austin Reed – QB – WKU: A smaller version of Bagent, Austin Reed boasts the smarts and toughness for the position. But he lacks the traits to be a starter at the next level. He is relatively close with Williams, having trained with the Bears’ new star in Florida this offseason.

Keith Randolph – DT – Illinois: Keith Randolph is a lengthy trench defender who lacks a true position at the next level. But the Bears have had success with similar players, namely with former Titan DeMarcus Walker. Walker arrived in free agency last season and became a vital part of the group.

Theo Benedet – OT – British Columbia: Listed at 6-foot-7, Theo Benedet is an intriguing prospect. He could have a tough time cracking a deep position. But he could find a spot on the practice squad early on. The Bears’ offensive line dealt with numerous injuries last season.

Jamree Kromah – IDL – James Madison: Listed at 6-foot-3 and 271 pounds, there are concerns about Jamree Kromah’s lack of athleticism and size. He could be without a true position and capped in terms of his potential. But he recorded 10.0 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss last season.

Ian Wheeler – RB – Howard: A grad student at Howard, Ian Wheeler joins a loaded Bears backfield with a rather polarizing stat line in college. He proved effective with 1,154 yards on 177 career carries (6.5 YPC) with 14 touchdowns, albeit in his four-year career. He is a candidate to contribute on special teams.

Brendan Bates – TE – Kentucky: With 26 receptions for 272 yards and two touchdowns in his career, Brenden Bates’ impact was felt more in the run game in college. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, he could have a place on a roster that only has practice squadder Stephen Carlson behind Kmet and Everett.

Odieu Hiliare – WR – Bowling Green: Listed at 6-foot and 185 pounds, Hiliare might lack the traits to make a major impact at the next level. But he leaves Bowling Green with the 10th-most receiving touchdowns in program history with 23 in his career.

Carl Jones – LB – UCLA: A likely backup linebacker and special teamer at the next level, Carl Jones lined up at all three levels of the defense for the Bruins in his four-year career. He is undersized at 5-foot-11, but he plays with a relentless motor.

Leon Jones – CB – Arkansas St.: Leon Jones is listed at 6-foot-1. That fits the theme of length at the position for the Bears. He also set career highs with 26 total tackles last season, including 18 solo stops. He lacked ball production in college with just one career interception.

https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1784318355848954246

Rookie Minicamp Invites

The undrafted rookies who didn’t immediately get snatched up will still have their chance to prove themselves against their classmates in rookie minicamps in the coming weeks. The Bears invited several prospects to compete.

TD Ayo-Durojaiye – RB – Villanova: An explosive runner, TD Ayo-Durojaiye rushed for 1,605 yards and 14 touchdowns on 310 carries. He also earned two All-Conference defensive teams for his work on special teams in his career.

Noah Atagi – OT – Weber State: Noah Atagi is massive, listed at 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds. He is a two-time All-American and four-time All-Conference standout. Like the other linemen mentioned, he could help stave off attrition during training camp and the preseason.

Travian Blaylock – S – Wisconsin: A fifth-year senior, Travian Blaylock bounced back from an injury-erased 2022 season to play in 13 games for the Badgers last season. Like many others who take this route, ball production could be a concern at the next level.

Hayden Gillum – C – Kansas State: The Bears have plenty of options at center. 2022 draft pick Doug Kramer is also on the roster. But the position is far from settled. The door is open for Hayden Gillum to show something and earn a spot.

John McCartan – EDGE – Oregon State: A six-year performer for the Beavers, John McCartan brings size (6-foot-5 and 250-plus pounds) and production with 9.5 sacks and 20.0 tackles for loss in 51 career games. Special teams will be his ticket to a roster spot somewhere.

Brian Abraham – LB – UAlbany: A lanky linebacker listed at 6-foot-5 and 221 pounds, Brian Abraham recorded 11 total stops last season with 1.0 sacks in six games. 2023 was a grad season for Abraham who began his career at Yale.

Donny Ventrelli – OL – North Dakota: A 6-foot-4, 300-pound who consistently earned high marks from Pro Football Focus as one of the top FCS-level guards in 2023. He joins a deep if unproven group of new backup linemen.

Paul Moala – LB – Georgia Tech: An undersized linebacker who began his career as a defensive back at Notre Dame. He recorded career-highs with 4.0 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss this past season.

https://twitter.com/BryTime15/status/1784785699452883293

Key Dates

May 2: Deadline to exercise 5th-year options on 2021 draft class – For the Bears, that decision was taken off the table with Fields being traded to Pittsburgh. It could be worth monitoring which players have their options declined, though. They could become trade targets down the line.

May 10-13: Rookie Minicamp – Williams and Odunze will headline the fresh crop of NFL players in their first organized team activities. There will be a lot of change at the back of the roster.

May 13: Rookie Football Development Programs Start – This is the NFL’s attempt to onboard the hundreds of prospects looking to begin their journeys on the right foot and keep it that way for the duration.

May 20-22: Spring League Meeting/Coach Accelerator – The Coach Accelerator takes palace at the Spring League meeting. It aims to expand the pool of candidates for the next coaching hiring cycle. The Bears could have several prime candidates name-dropped during this event.

May/June (Dates TBA): OTAs and Mandatory Minicamps: Be sure to check back for the official OTA and minicamp dates!

July/August (Dates TBA): Training Camp – Be sure to check back for the official training camp dates!

https://twitter.com/NBAxJay1/status/1783954066521141344

Rumor Mill

We’ll keep you posted on the latest rumblings out of Halas Hall for the duration of the offseason!

News

Bears’ Jaquan Brisker Sends 5-Word Message to Caleb Williams

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The Chicago Bears made it official. They selected USC’s Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It has been a foregone conclusion at least since the scouting combine. Williams has already been engrossed in the playbook and has worked with some of his new teammates on the field.

Williams said at the podium that he wanted to “learn all his teammate’s names” among other things. One teammate has already sent a message to the incoming rookie.

Bears: Jaquan Brisker to Caleb Williams: ‘Let’s Go!!!’

Jaquan Brisker Sends Message to Caleb Williams

“@CALEBcsw it’s time folks!” Bears safety Jaquan Brisker posted on X on April 25. “Let’s go!!!”

Williams steps into incredible expectations, not just for a rookie. But for an entire franchise, with the Bears sordid history at the quarterback position extending up until, they hope, his selection this season.

Brisker being among if not the first to send something Williams’ way is notable.

There might not have been a bigger supporter of former Bears quarterback Justin Fields in the Bears locker room than the outspoken safety.

He – along with several others in a tight-knit locker room – expressed his faith in Fields. When the Bears traded the 2021 No. 11 overall pick earlier this offseason, Brisker sent a fitting message.

“Don’t talk to me,” Brisker posted on March 16.

Bears Show Early Support for Caleb Williams

Williams, who is already close with offseason trade acquisition Keenan Allen, threw to his new wideout along with DJ Moore this offseason.

Moore – another one of the more vocal supporters of Fields this past season – was also a part of the contingent of Bears veterans that met with Williams during his visit to Chicago following the combine.

The Bears did their due diligence on some of the other prospects. But Williams took just one pre-draft visit, to Chicago, solidifying his spot as the No. 1 pick long before it was made official.

DeMarcus Walker also dropped his reaction to the official pick, choosing to do so in emoji form. Like Brisker, Walker is one of the more vocal leaders in the Bears locker room, especially after the departure of defensive tackle Justin Jones this offseason.

Bears Add Rome Odunze at No. 9

The Bears selected Washington Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick, pairing him with Williams. The two players formed a quick bond and will get their chance to continue that in Chicago.

Brisker and Walker both chimed in on that pick as well.

“Mannnnnnnnnn Bear the f*** Down!!!” Walker posted after dropping a “bruh” and eyeball emoji.

“Practice bout to be krazy,” Walker said in another post.

Like I said, I feel like our time NOW!!,” Brisker said in his reaction to Odunze. #BeartfDown

News

Bears: Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze Share Friendly Exchange Ahead of Draft

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The start of the 2024 NFL Draft is just two days away and the Chicago Bears’ plans remain a mystery.

Not with the No. 1 overall pick. That is a foregone conclusion to be Caleb Williams despite General Manager Ryan Poles’ insistence that the wait continues into draft night. En route to the event, Williams took notice of one of his fellow passengers: Washington wideout Rome Odunze.

Williams’ sentiments about the encounter are sure to rile up fans.

Presumed Bears Pick Caleb Williams: ‘Big Fan’ of Rome Odunze

Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze Have Friendly Exchange Ahead of 2024 Draft

“Oh s*** yall I just saw Rome Odunze on my flight to Detroit!!” Williams posted on X on April 23, attaching a laughing face emoji. “Big fan!”

As if that weren’t enough, Odunze quipped back.

“I’m actually the pilot this morning. Don’t worry I’ll get Caleb to Detroit SAFELY!,” Odunze posted. “#nosoulshaveperished”

Nothing is inherently spectacular about the two projected first-round picks being on the same flight. Both players are coming from the West Coast to attend the same event. Still, their chemistry appealed to fans in the comments and led to a potentially telling revelation.

“Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze didn’t just take the same flight to Detroit for the draft: I’m told Odunze recently caught balls from Williams … who also was throwing with #Bears WRs Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore. Chicago owns the Nos. 1 and 9 picks, and hosted Odunze on a visit,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on X on April 23.

“The Bears hold the No. 9 overall pick in addition to No. 1.”

Odunze is widely projected to go before then, perhaps even in the mix for a top-five selection along with fellow wideouts Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers.

There is expected to be a run on quarterbacks at the top, with up to four projected to be selected in the top four picks in some mocks. That could benefit the Bears, pushing one of the receivers – specifically Odunze or Nabers, who caught Williams’ eye with his pro day – to them.

Some have speculated that the Bears could trade up to secure a receiver. But with a franchise-record low four picks in the draft – the fewest of the cycle – it makes more sense to trade down from No. 9 to recoup some picks.

Bears Hold 4 Picks in 2024 Draft

Of course, it’s Poles’ discretion to use those picks as he sees fit. He has aggressively parsed out this class, in particular, trading five of their initial seven picks in the past calendar year with mixed results.

Montez Sweat proved worth the second-round pick surrendered for him.

However, Dan Feeney and N’Keal Harry made a minimal impact despite costing the Bears their sixth and seventh-round picks in this cycle.

The hit rate on late-round picks isn’t great. But it leaves the Bears shorthanded to move around in the middle rounds for a prospect they like unless they trade back first. Their other options would be to trade more future capital or players.

All of those options should be on the table on draft night.

Bears Lack of Draft Capital Fueling Trade Speculation Among Rivals: Report

Bears Still Sit in Unique Position in 2024 Draft

The Bears have the flexibility to operate that way after reshaping the roster over the past two years. They are also thin at wide receiver, even with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen at the top of the depth chart. Moore, 27, has been a horse in his career with just two missed games. But Allen, 32, has missed at least one game in each of the last four seasons.

That includes 11 games in the past two years alone.

Adding another body to a group that includes 2023 fifth-round pick Tyler Scott, former New York Giant Collin Johnson, and 2022 third-rounder Velus Jones Jr. makes sense.

Also in the group are Dante Pettis, Nsimba Webster, and Joe Reed, none of whom appeared in a game last season. The Bears still sit in a unique position for the organization, even with Williams all but locked into No. 1.

Rumors

Scout Would Be ‘Shocked’ at Bears’ Potential Draft Decision: Report

The 2024 NFL Draft begins in exactly two weeks and there is still plenty of intrigue around what the Chicago Bears will do when they are on the clock.

While it has long been a foregone conclusion – although not official – that they will select Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, their decision at No. 9 overall remains a mystery. But the popular notion remains that they will at least seek to trade down and accumulate more picks.

The Bears currently have four picks after previous trades.

Rival Scout Expects Bears to Trade Down

Bears No. 9 Pick a Hot Topic

“I’d be shocked if they make that pick at nine,” an anonymous NFC scout said, per ESPN’s Jordan Reid on April 11. “[Bears GM Ryan] Poles loves to move around and build through the draft, and that roster still needs help in some spots.”

The Bears have made 19 trades since Poles took over. 16 of those deals have involved draft capital. That includes 11 straight between trading Robert Quinn and Justin Fields.

They have made eight trades during the last two drafts.

“Don’t be surprised if Chicago moves back, adds more draft capital and takes the best defensive end available wherever it lands,” Reid wrote. “Laiatu Latu (UCLA) and Jared Verse (Florida State) are two options who would help off the edge in Chicago.”

Potential Bears Draft Target Gets Caleb Williams’ Attention With Pro Day Showing

The Bears finished 31st in sacks last season, even with the addition of Montez Sweat at the trade deadline.

Of course, they also have to be leery of trading back too far if they are targeting Latu or Verse.

The Bears could still look to address their offensive line and the interior of their defensive line in the draft. They would also be wise to explore their options at wide receiver should one or more of the top prospects make it to their current slot.

They still have DJ Moore, who turns 27 years old on April 14, and there is interest in inking both him and trade acquisition Keenan Allen to new contracts.

Still, the latter is in his 30s and has a lengthy injury history.

The Bears have made a concerted effort to put a strong foundation around Williams or whoever is under center next season. Adding another building block to grow alongside him would be a good piece of future planning.

Caleb Williams Claps Back at Critic

Former NFL quarterback Greg McElroy expressed his concern with Williams at the next level, citing an adversity-free experience in college. Williams, not one to shy away from speaking his piece, gave a quick retort.

Let’s go back to school again cause I’m bored rn..,” Williams happily responded in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on April 9. “Adversity: “A state or instance of serious or continued difficulty or misfortune.

“Y1. Didn’t start freshman year. Y2. Popped hammy championship game 1st Q. Lost bc of my hammy. Y3. 7-5 my last year of college ball.”

Scrutiny for the No. 1 projected pick is nothing new.

That only ratchets up when the prospect in question plays quarterback. The Bears’ sordid history at the position only further complicates the conversation. So the situation remains far from settled even as they have likely made their decision.

In that sense, what the Bears do with the No. 9 overall pick might be the least of their concerns.

Rumors

Bears Lack of Draft Capital Fueling Trade Speculation Among Rivals: Report

The Chicago Bears have left themselves in dire straits in terms of draft capital after trading many of this year’s allotment.

They traded a seventh-round pick to the New England Patriots for N’Keal Harry ahead of the 2022 season. Their sixth-rounder went to the Miami Dolphins for Dan Feeney this past preseason. Montez Sweat cost a second-round pick at last year’s trade deadline. Keenan Allen and Ryan Bates cost fourth and fifth-round picks, respectively, this offseason.

That reality is fueling the latest speculation about their plans for the No. 9 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, set to begin on April 25.

Rival Teams Eying Bears for Potential Trade in 2024 NFL Draft

Bears a Potential Swing Point in 2024 NFL Draft Amid Trade Rumors

“What NFL teams think other NFL teams will do in the draft should not be interpreted as gospel, but when I ask team personnel about intriguing opponents picking in the top 10, two that come up often are the Chicago Bears and New York Jets,” ESPN’s Field Yates wrote on April 5. “Why? The potential of a trade down.”

The Bears’ four selections in April’s draft are the fewest in the NFL, Yates notes. After stripping the roster down in his first season, General Manager Ryan Poles has also done well to restock the cupboard with talent across the board.

That has left them with few glaring holes on the current roster.

“Given the number of teams that will be angling hard for OTs early, could either of those teams be incentivized to move down?” Yates wrote.

The Bears have no second-round pick and do not pick after the fourth round. They have 2023 first-round pick Darnell Wright on the right side, making a selection at that position unlikely. Left tackle Braxton Jones has also been a find as a former fifth-round pick (2022).

However, rumors have linked the Bears to several of this class’ top left tackle prospects.

That includes Notre Dame’s Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu of Penn State, and Troy Fautanu of Washington.

That could mean the Jets might be the better projection for a swing point in the draft. They already signed Tyron Smith in free agency from the Dallas Cowboys. They also acquired Morgan Moses via trade from the Baltimore Ravens.

There is also a belief the Jets are eyeing a trade down, albeit for different reasons.

“While the Jets need a young quarterback in their pipeline, assuming Zach Wilson is a goner, the idea of them drafting one that high seems unlikely,” ESPN’s Rich Cimini wrote on April 1.

“What they’d really like is a trade proposal from a quarterback-needy team, which would allow them to acquire a top-100 pick. A handful of teams behind them, most notably the Minnesota Vikings (11th), Denver Broncos (12th) and Las Vegas Raiders (13th), might be motivated to move up.”

But the Bears have been in this position before.

Ryan Poles Could Repeat History

Poles is on track to make the pick at No. 1 overall this year. Caleb Williams is the prohibitive favorite to be the choice. But Poles can repeat the history of his 2023 draft with the No. 9 overall pick.

He was in the same selection last season after trading out of the No. 1 spot with the Carolina Panthers.

The Bears then agreed to a trade sending the No. 9 pick to the Philadelphia Eagles.

That deal yielded the No. 10 overall pick – which the Bears used to select Wright – and a fourth-round pick in the 2024 draft, essentially to pass on Jalen Carter. They could get an even better return if the team looking to trade up is eyeing a quarterback.

News

Potential Bears Draft Target Gets Caleb Williams’ Attention With Pro Day Showing

The Chicago Bears’ decision on what to do with the No. 1 overall pick when the 2024 draft starts on April 25 appears all but turned in to the commissioner for announcement at the podium. Caleb Williams remains the unabashed favorite.

Their decision about what to do with the No. 9 overall pick is far less certain.

If Williams has any say, it might be LSU’s Malik Nabers. Nabers showed well at LSU’s pro day on March 27, running an official 40 time of 4.35 seconds and a 42-inch vertical.  The performance was so stellar that it drew Williams’ attention. The soon-to-be rookie shared a clip of the workout to his timeline on X.

Caleb Williams Shares Clip of Malik Nabers at Pro Day

Malik Nabers Could Be an Option for Bears With No. 9 Pick

The Bears were in Baton Rouge for the Tigers pro day.

General Manager Ryan Poles, Head Coach Matt Eberflus, and Quarterbacks Coach Kerry Joseph all attended LSU’s pro day, per Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy.

Joseph’s presence is notable, given that LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels – the reigning Heisman winner – has support in some pockets as the top quarterback prospect in this draft class. Make no mistake, though, the Bears appear locked in on Williams.

Caleb Williams Already Impacting Bears Decisions

No, sharing a video does not equal an endorsement. Anyone worth their salt on the popular social media platform will tell you that.

So Williams sharing the post in and of itself is not necessarily noteworthy.

However, the additional context of the Bears holding that second first-round pick, their need for another wide receiver even with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, and the fact that Williams has not shared many other clips or info from pro days adds to the intrigue.

Williams has shared two other pro day posts.

One was the RAS score graphic for Rhode Island safety Jordan Colbert, claiming him to be a “lottery ticket”.

The other clip was of Oklahoma wide receiver Drake Stoops, Williams’ teammate at Oklahoma for one season in 2021. The clip Williams shared was of Stoops – a sixth-year Sooner – expressing confidence in finding a landing spot in the NFL.

Perhaps that will be with the Bears on the undrafted free agent market.

What is clear is that they are doing a lot to provide a sound infrastructure around Williams, which includes beefing up their coaching staff and trading for wide receiver Keenan Allen.

Bears Have Ample Options at No. 9

If the Bears pass on Nabers at No. 9 – or, as is even more likely, he is already off the board by then, they will still have a number of viable options. They could include Nabers’ teammate, Brian Thomas Jr.

Thomas is two inches taller and ran just as fast at the combine as Nabers did at their pro day.

Other options could include Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu and Flordia State edge rusher Jared Verse.

There could also be the option to trade down should one of the quarterback-needy teams behind them get antsy and want to move up. The Denver Broncos at No. 12 could be a team to watch as they jockey with the Minnesota Vikings for position, presumably to draft J.J. McCarthy.

News

Former Bears QB Justin Fields Breaks Silence on Trade to Steelers

The Chicago Bears traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, sending shockwaves through the NFL and, more importantly, their locker room. Sentiments in the building have trended toward this outcome, albeit with respect to Fields.

In the immediate aftermath of the deal, the fourth-year quarterback continued to show the humility that won many in the locker room over with a post on X, formerly Twitter, on March 16.

Albeit with a Steelers-themed twist.

Justin Fields Sends ‘Thank You’ to Bears in Steelers Colors

Justin Fields Thanks Bears, Fans

“Can’t say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me. Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played with. You all were the reason I attacked each day the way I did. I can’t thank you all enough for what y’all have meant to me over the last 3 years through the ups and downs. I wish each one of you nothing but success. Ready for this next chapter!”

The yellow font on the black background is a fitting touch.

Steelers Have Long Been on Bears Radar

Clocker Sports has followed reports on the Steelers’ potential interest in acquiring Fields from Head Coach Mike Tomlin being a “ big fan” to General Manager Omar Khan leaving the door open.

That path seemed to close when the Steelers signed Russell Wilson in free agency from the Denver Broncos. But former first-round pick Kenny Pickett requested a trade after learning he’d fallen to QB2 on the depth chart.

The Bears QB room now consists of incumbent second-year passer Tyson Bagent and journeyman Brett Rypien, who has familiarity with Offensive Coordinator Shane Waldron.

Of course, this all points to the Bears selecting USC’s Caleb Williams in April as expected.

Williams will step into a defense that was among the league’s best units at the end of last season and an offense that added D’Andre Swift at running back, Gerald Everett at tight end – another Waldron connection – and just traded for Keenan Allen to man the slot.

That is as good of a situation as any rookie has stepped into – on paper – and one former Bear thinks the organization failed to give Fields the same guardrails

Cardinals DT Takes Jab at Bears Over Justin Fields

Former Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones signed a three-year, $31.2 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency this offseason. He offered a more pointed take; one that doesn’t paint the Bears in the best light.

“Damn bro I wish you had a fair shake over there,” Jones posted. “Cheers to new beginnings.”

It is important to remember that while General Manager Ryan Poles may have grown fond of Fields as he has claimed over and again, he did not draft the former No. 11 overall pick. It was not Poles who surrendered a future first-round pick to draft Fields in 2021.

In other words, there was always a chance this was the ultimate ending for a flawed but clearly talented passer in Fields. And for an organization in the Bears that is hoping to find the guy at quarterback.

They ultimately deemed that Fields was not and would not be that guy, at least not in the window they are working in.

News

DJ Moore Sends 3-Word Message After Bears Trade Justin Fields

The Chicago Bears followed through on the wide-spread presumption with a trade sending quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a conditional sixth-round draft pick that can become a fourth-rounder with playing time, thus ending the former No. 11 overall pick’s time with the franchise that traded up to draft him in 2021.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport broke the news of the trade on March 16, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on the compensation.

Bears wide receiver DJ Moore weighed in with a short and poignant message.

DJ Moore on Justin Fields Trade: ‘Business is Business’

DJ Moore and Justin Fields Formed Quick Bond

Moore has stumped for Fields at every opportunity. But he has also been realistic about the potential outcome of this offseason, and this was more of the latter.

“Business is Business,” Moore posted on X, formerly Twitter, read.

Moore, 26, set career highs with 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns this past season.

He gave a lot of the credit for that to having Fields under center. The two hit it off immediately and that connection showed on and off the field. But Moore will now make it seven straight seasons with a different quarterback set to or making the majority of the starts for his team.

That is a lot of change and a big part of the reason Moore pushed for continuity.

Bears Leaders Weigh In on Justin Fields Trade

Moore is one of the leaders in the locker room as a prime example of how to be a pro. But there are more vocal leaders, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. They have also weighed in on the possibility that Fields could be traded and now in the aftermath.

Jaylon Johnson touted the character in the locker room as a big reason he believed they could withstand losing the well-like Fields.

Teammate DeMarcus Walker echoed Moore’s cold-hard reality of the NFL.

“Today isn’t easy but it’s a business,” Walker said in a post.

2023 second-round pick Gervon Dexter Sr. simply posted “damn” with a crying emoji over the news about his now-former teammate who was widely praised for his demeanor amid a polarizing tenure.

Bears ‘Ear-Marked’ Steelers

This trade sends a shockwave across the NFL. But it is not a surprise for the Bears. They were targeting a deal with two teams according to one insider who noted the new reality in Chicago.

“The Steelers were one of two teams that the Bears had earmarked—along with the Falcons—at the start of free agency as potential trade partners. Where the Russell Wilson signing closed the door, the Kenny Pickett trade reopened it,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported on March 16.

“It’s Caleb Williams time in Chicago.”

Fields now heads to Pittsburgh to back up the recently-signed Wilson, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Rumors

Bears Reschedule Meeting With Presumed No. 1 Overall Pick Caleb Williams: Report

In an unorthodox twist, the Chicago Bears won’t meet with the projected No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams, for his top 30 meeting after the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis as originally planned.

However, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports it as a sign of the Bears’ path toward drafting him.

“Until this weekend, the Bears had planned to bring USC Trojans QB Caleb Williams to Chicago for his top 30 visit Tuesday, fresh off the combine,” Breer wrote on March 4. “That is extraordinarily early—most teams don’t even start with 30 visits until the end of March or beginning of April when pro days are wrapping up.

“Williams and the team decided to move things around: Rather than shuttling the quarterback to and from California again, in the midst of preparations for his March 20 pro day, the Bears will host Williams in Chicago shortly after that instead.”

Breer runs through bullet points that suggest the Bears will indeed select Williams.

He reports Williams impressed team officials in Indianapolis with his performance at the combine. They have also received positive feedback from those around him. Breer also writes that Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury — whom the Bears interviewed for the same role — about his father, Carl Williams, who is active on the business side but leaves football to his son.

Bears, Caleb Williams Agree to Push Back Top 30 Visit

Free Agency Could Impact Bears’ Plans

A lot can happen in the two-plus weeks between the originally planned date for Williams’ visit and the new one. That is especially true with free agency slated to start on March 13. And the early negotiating window opens two days before that.

That could allow for a better trade market to develop for Fields, which Breer noted the Bears are open to doing.

It’s something they may need to do amid little interest, at least at the combine.

“The team spent most of the week gauging interest around the league to evaluate his value,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini wrote on March 2. “Though I expect the demand for Fields to be robust … it appears his market is soft for now. It was hard to find strong interest from any team.”

Kirk Cousins is viewed as the top free agent in a market that also includes 2023 Most Improved Player Baker Mayfield and could include one-time Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson.

Breer sets the expectation for a return in a Fields trade at a package of Day 2 and 3 picks.

Justin Fields Sends Message to Bears Front Office Amid Trade Rumors

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler painted a far more optimistic picture for the Bears. He linked four teams to Fields, though he phrased it as destinations the quarterback could have interest in. At any rate, Russini noted, it would only take one to change the current outlook.

“After asking around, I expect Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Las Vegas and Minnesota to be on Fields’ radar,” Fowler wrote on March 3.

Fowler noted “plenty of smoke” around Fields and Atlanta.

Breaking Down Justin Fields’ Rumored Trade Market

Steelers general manager Omar Khan also spoke about exploring all of his options to make the team better this offseason. He declined to go into specific details when asked directly about trading for Fields, though.

The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported on March 4 that the team is not interested in trading for Fields.

The Raiders hired former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy to fill the same role. It seems unlikely that either he or Fields would seek out a reunion, with how things played out.

Minnesota is a division rival, which seems like a lofty proposition, particularly in this situation.

The Falcons are Fields’ hometown team and need a quarterback. But Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot passed on Fields in the 2021 draft. And their offensive coordinator coaches a scheme more suited to Cousins, who also has ties to Atlanta.

News

Projected 1st-Round QB Talks ‘Dream Come True’ After Bears Interview

With Chicago Bears among the various NFL team officials in attendance on March 2, the incoming quarterbacks hit the field for drills at the NFL Scouting Combine with the running backs and wide receivers.

They also held press conferences and made other various media rounds.

That allowed Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy to dish on his meeting with the Bears, which he came away from feeling positive.

“It was awesome just watching tape with them, going over our plays a little bit,” McCarthy told reporters during his media availability at the scouting combine on February 2. And you know they got me up on the boards and retained some information, and we did pretty well. So it was awesome.”

Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy had ‘Awesome’ Meeting With Bears

J.J. McCarthy: Playing at Soldier Field Would Be a ‘Dream Come True’

McCarthy led the Wolverines to a National Championship victory this past season.

He has skyrocketed up draft boards, beginning the 2023 season outside of the first round. His ascension has continued after the games stopped, with some projections slotting him inside the top 10 in April’s draft.

A native of LaGrange Park, Illinois, McCarthy is no stranger to the area nor the history and tradition of Soldier Field.

“It’s been one of my dreams … whether I’m playing for the Bears or against them [to play at Soldier Field],” McCarthy said. “But Soldier Field, one of the oldest stadiums in America. And just growing up, going to all the games and you know being part of a halftime thing where I was a Player of the Week in Illinois, it’s something that would be truly a dream come true.”

McCarthy’s qualifier of “for the Bears or against them” is prescient.

The Bears are expected to select USC’s Caleb Williams No. 1 overall. If they do not, however, perhaps they circle back to the “hometown” kid made good for their next quarterback.

There is a bit of irony in McCarthy raving about playing at Soldier Field while the organization has seemingly been focused on every other potential venue for their new stadium. That is still a few years away; if it happens at all. The soon-to-be rookie could have plenty of opportunities to make that dream come true.

Draft’s Top Center High on Bears

Quarterback talk aside, the Bears also need some upgrades along the offensive line, and Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson is at the top of the class.

Powers-Johnson also spoke of his meeting with Bears brass.

“It went great,” he told media members. “Incredible people. Incredible. A lot of great history there too. And it was just a great interview. I hear they have great pizza there, especially deep dish. I’ll have to try that.”

Pizza faux pas aside, Powers-Johnson would be an upgrade at the position for the Bears.

They already cut 2023 Week 1 starter Cody Whitehair while 2022 free agent signing Lucas Patrick is a free agent. Powers-Johnson also said nice things about his potential future quarterback in Williams and shared that he referenced the Bears Superfan skits from Saturday Night Live to General Manager Ryan Poles.

The 6-foot-3, 334-pound Powers-Johnson hits the field for drills on March 3.