One thing has become clear about the Chicago Bears after the off-season. When Ryan Poles says he’s going to do something, believe him. He said he would build this team through the draft. No fewer than 12 rookies now occupy roster spots, including nine of 11 draft picks. Then he said the team planned to make further adjustments following final roster cuts. The Bears ended up claiming six players off of waivers, the most of any team in the NFL.
What made it even more important was that every claim met a roster need. Alex Leatherwood provides much-needed depth and talent for the offensive line. Armon Watts gives them a pass rush boost on the interior defensive line. Kingsley Johnathan is an extra body at defensive end while Josh Blackwell provides the same at cornerback. Sterling Weatherford is a great fit for them at linebacker, and Trevin Wesco is some solid blocking help at tight end. Every position of need was addressed.
All except one.
#Bears WR Tajae Sharpe (ribs) going on IR does mean he is done for the season, Matt Eberflus confirmed.
— Sean Hammond (@sean_hammond) August 31, 2022
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
The Chicago Bears still have questions at wide receiver.
Injuries have played a big part in their current predicament. Tajae Sharpe’s season is over, thanks to a rib injury. N’Keal Harry (ankle) and Byron Pringle (quad) haven’t practiced for weeks. Velus Jones Jr. is still nursing an undisclosed injury following his brief appearance in the preseason win over Seattle. Right now, the team has three receivers that can be called healthy: Darnell Mooney, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Dante Pettis.
That isn’t an ideal situation. One more injury to any of them and the Chicago Bears will be in full-blown crisis mode. They have to think about adding another body to the mix. Preferably someone with experience. Some big names remain out there: Emanuel Sanders, T.Y. Hilton, and Cole Beasley. There are also some budget options with upside, like Preston Williams, Malik Turner, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, and Chris Conley.
Maybe the Bears feel one or two of their injured options will be back shortly. Still, the margin of error is a little too thin where things stand. Poles has to consider making at least a minor move to shore up the depth.
Sign Dez Bryant.
The Bears have never had a general manager like Ryan Poles. He is unquestionably the best at recognizing talent that I have seen. He’s rebuilding the Bears and developing a winning philosophy. It may take a few years for players to develop and adding further players but I’m confident we have the right guy as general manager to return the Bears to greatness.
The Bears front office isnt concerned with winning this season. Whatever happens happens. This is about developing a base for the upcoming years. Whomever sticks sticks. Whomever doesnt doesnt. They will have a fortune to spend in the upcoming off-season and a full slate of draft capital. Its very similar to what Pace did his fist season. Cheap options while he churned the roster of bad contracts and old players. As for the WR issue. They obviously know something yall dont regarding the health of their players.
Smith Marsette from the Hawkeyes would be a great young pickup
Trade Quinn to a team fir a good WR and a 3rd rd pick next year