The Chicago Bears have lots of work to do if they’re going to become a better team in 2023. That means spending in free agency and scoring hits in the draft. It’s the same for any other team. The big question is how they approach both. Nobody can say for sure what GM Ryan Poles has planned. He should know what the biggest needs of his roster are by now. Even with three games left to play, a game plan is likely coming together for how they’ll approach that spring window. Adam Schefter has a good idea of how it will likely go.
The ESPN insider appeared on the Under Center podcast to discuss where the team is and where it will go. He believes the draft decision is pretty straightforward if the Bears end up keeping the 2nd overall pick. Either they will take a “generational” defensive player or trade down to procure more picks. He seems to lean toward the former. That setup makes it easy for him to predict what will happen in free agency. If the Bears are assured a top defender in the 1st round, they will focus their salary cap space on upgrading the offense.
Adam Schefter makes plenty of sense on this.
Don’t forget he’s well-connected. So even if it might be his opinion, there is a strong possibility his sources have hinted at what the Bears will likely do. Everything about the explanation is logical. Focusing on offense in free agency ensures the team can get players around Justin Fields who can play right away. A strong crop of potential offensive linemen and running backs will be available. The wide receiver group isn’t anything special, but there is always a possibility someone unexpected becomes available.
The Bears have over $100 million in cap space. There should be no issue in them luring guys they want to Chicago. Fields’ ascent over the past three months now makes them a far more attractive destination. He’ll get some immediate help and the team will be able to land their (hopefully) next defensive star in the draft. It is a rock solid approach to an off-season. Adam Schefter has seen it done many times in the past. Much of it will hinge on where the Bears end up drafting. One win over the final three weeks could derail their plans.
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@GhostTomahawk34 has to be Shady McCoy’s burner account lmao
Wide receivers are not clamoring to play with Fields. Hype it all you want he doesn’t have the skill set to throw 30 times a game and be effective. Inability to read defenses, inability to sense pressure and inability to anticipate receivers on their routes. All the while having a longer throwing motion You can’t teach this. You have it or you don’t.
To all the posters advocating the signing Payne in FA – I really hope they can. Just keep in mind that Washington will not let him go without a fight. Yes they have cap issues but they also have options to keep him. For example, they can tag him for the next 2 years. But there is always hope.
@David – I couldn’t agree more with your analysis on Carter and Barkley.
The Bears’ needs are obvious but how many holes can be filled with the talent that will be available? The Bears aren’t the only team looking to improve and there will be competition for the best talent available. I think they will successfully address their most obvious needs but it may take another year to complete the rebuild.