2024 Chicago Bears Mock Offseason: Adding Dynamic Players Via Free Agency & The NFL Draft
Cap Space Situation
According to Over the Cap, the Bears currently have the third-highest cap space at 78.68 million dollars. The Bears are in a position to essentially afford whoever they want. However, a couple of moves must be addressed before addressing the signings. The first move is trading quarterback Justin Fields. With Fields’ time likely ending in Chicago, trading the former first-round draft pick saves the Bears an extra 3.23 million dollars. To add on, another move is cutting special teamer Travis Homer. His impact wasn’t evident last season, and cutting him saves Chicago another 1.88 million dollars. After the moves, the Bears now have 83.79 million dollars to spend.
Re-Signings
The primary candidate for re-signing is Jaylon Johnson, the Second-Team All-Pro cornerback. According to various reports, contract negotiations are progressing well. However, from a personal perspective, General Manager Ryan Poles seems inclined to observe another season of consistent play from Johnson. He’s been steadily improving each season, but he’ll receive the franchise tag at 19.8 million dollars for now. Other re-signs will include one-year deals with long-snapper Patrick Scales ($1.5 million), cornerback Josh Blackwell ($1 million), and veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis ($1 million). That brings the Bears’ cap space to 60.49 million dollars to spend during Free Agency.
2022 PFF grade: 62.9
2023 PFF grade: 90.8 (1st in the NFL)Jaylon Johnson is the most improved player on the Bears 📈 pic.twitter.com/iXReoh4iVj
— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) February 2, 2024
Chicago Bears Mock Offseason: Free Agency Signings (All Contract Projections Via PFF)
Christian Wilkins, Defensive Tackle: 1 yr, $22.1mil ($22.1mil guaranteed)
The Bears finally get the DT of their dreams. It’s no secret that GM Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus value the defensive tackle position, emphasizing it in last year’s draft. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, star DT Christian Wilkins won’t receive the franchise tag, thus allowing him to hit the open market. It’s not often teams get an opportunity to sign a stud defensive tackle of Wilkins’ caliber. His persona and ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks can transform the Bears’ defense in 2024.
Connor Williams, Center: 3 yrs, $22.5mil ($12.5mil guaranteed)
The Bears snag another Miami Dolphin. Connor Williams is the best Center available in free agency, and the Bears’ number one need is arguably at Center. Williams unfortunately suffered a torn ACL in Week 14 of the 2023-24 NFL season. However, although it may hurt his buying price, he’ll be a solid addition to the team when he recovers. His presence and quick feet will fortify the offensive line’s interior, supporting whoever is starting at the quarterback position for the Bears in 2024.
Tyrod Taylor, Quarterback: 2yrs, $9mil (6.5mil guaranteed)
Tyrod Taylor is a proven veteran in the NFL, and the Bears should feel comfortable with him backing up the starting quarterback. Although Tyson Bagent showed flashes of being a capable quarterback, the Bears need a more reliable player at the backup QB position.
Jeremy Chinn, Safety: 1 yr, $3mil ($3mil guaranteed)
Jeremy Chinn is an excellent under-the-radar player that the Bears could acquire. While he didn’t align with the Panthers’ defensive strategy in 2023, Chinn is a versatile asset capable of contributing in various ways. The Bears talked about wanting a strong tackler who isn’t afraid to get in the box on defense, and that’s who they’ll get with Chinn.
K.J. Osborn, Wide Receiver: 2 yrs, $10mil ($5.5mil guaranteed)
K.J. Osborn goes from one NFC North team to another. The Bears should be pleased with his ability to get yards after the catch and create space on offense.
Romeo Okwara, Edge Rusher: 1yr, $2.75mil (2mil guaranteed)
Adding Romeo Okwara will bring extra depth to the Bears’ edge rushing unit. Okwara’s length and experience should benefit the Bears. Okwara and Demarcus Walker can alternate in pressuring the opposing quarterback, providing a dynamic and formidable edge-rushing duo for the Bears opposite Pro Bowler Montez Sweat.
Pre-Draft Cap Space Left: $15.64mil
Note: To See More Free Agent Targets For The Chicago Bears: Bears Top 3 Offensive and 3 Defensive Free-Agent Targets
Chicago Bears Mock Offseason: Mock Draft
Round 1 Pick 1: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Assuming the Bears do decide to trade Fields, this is a no-brainer. The opportunity to draft a “generational” prospect in Caleb Williams is too enticing to pass up. He’s the best quarterback in the class and overall player in the entire draft. Caleb is coming into arguably the best situation for a quarterback, with a roster ready to compete. All that’s left is for Williams to prove why people have labeled him a generational player.
Round 1, Pick 8 (Via Falcons Trade): Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Bears move up one spot with the Justin Fields trade and snag one of the three tier-one wide receiver draft prospects. Rome Odunze is a perfect fit for the Bears. At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, he’s a bigger body receiver that will mesh well with D.J. Moore. Odunze’s ability to catch contested passes and react late to the ball with his hands makes him impossible to guard. His 9.91 out of 10 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) will definitely catch Ryan Poles’ attention.
Dream draft day for the Bears? pic.twitter.com/EYgWKJS7Pd
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) March 1, 2024
Round 2, Pick 43 (Via Falcons Trade): Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Tyler Nubin would fill a huge void left by Eddie Jackson at safety. Being from St. Charles, Illinois, Nubin said it would be a “dream” to play for the Bears. Nubin is an explosive athlete with strong tackling ability, fluid movement, and adaptability in coverage. He and Jaquan Brisker will become a polarizing safety duo for years to come.
Round 3, Pick 75: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
Sedrick Van Pran will be the future at the center position for the Bears. He’s a smart, athletic center who’s excellent at pass-blocking, which the Bears desperately need on the offensive line. He should develop into the Bears center for the foreseeable future.
Round 4, Pick 111: Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
The Bears have a massive need at the backup tight end position, and with Robert Tonyan likely leaving during Free Agency, the Bears finally address it in the fourth round of the draft. Cade Stover is a passing threat at the tight end position who can create big run-after-catch plays. He should complement Cole Kmet and create a pass-catching duo at tight end.
Round 4, Pick 123: Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
Where to start? Braelon Allen is an athletic freak, and he just turned 20. At 6’2″ and 245 pounds, he may seem like a slower running back, but his nimble feet and quick decision-making prove otherwise. He has good hands and should become another fantastic running back in the NFL.
Round 5, Pick 143: Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan
Zak Zinter, the heart and soul of the Michigan Wolverines, is a true competitor. Zinter is quick off the snap and is excellent with his hands. He’ll be a solid addition to the team.
Starting Offense
(LT) Braxton Jones, (LG) Tevin Jenkins, (C) Connor Williams, (RG) Nate Davis, (RT) Darnell Wright.
(WR1) D.J. Moore, (WR2) Rome Odunze, (WR3) K.J. Osborn, (TE1) Cole Kmet, (TE2) Cade Stover (QB) Caleb Williams, (RB1) Khalil Herbert, (RB2) Braelon Allen, (RB3) Roschon Johnson.
Starting Defense
(EDGE1) Montez Sweat, (DT1) Christian Wilkins, (DT2) Andrew Billings, (EDGE 2) Romeo Okwara.
(LOLB) Jack Sanborn, (MLB) Tremaine Edmunds, (ROLB) T.J. Edwards.
(CB1) Jaylon Johnson, (FS) Tyler Nubin, (SS) Jaquan Brisker, (CB2) Tyrique Stevenson, (CB3) Kyler Gordon.
Main Photo: [Jeff Hanisch] – USA Today Sports
