The Chicago Bears are preparing for one of their most important offseasons in recent memory, where strong decisions could mean they have a great chance of making the playoffs of the 2023-24 campaign for the first times since 2020.
The Bears have the first draft pick and about $100 million in salary cap space. Some pundits believe they’ll trade the pick to get more upside in later rounds of the draft.
The Bears are gearing up for a hugely important offseason
The Da Bears had a poor season in 2022-23, recording three wins and 14 losses in NFC North. They were barely in contention this quarter, and a lot of people blame owner Virginia Halas McCaskey for that. In fact, we even talk in some publications that Chicagoans might be open to the emergence of a rival NFL franchise in the city.
The argument for adding another Chicago-based team that could lease Soldier Field comes down to the emerging gaming industry in Illinois, which will add significant revenue to the sport. Illinois sports betting is a nascent industry, with the first online sports betting appearing in 2020. Now, there are many sites for players to choose from, each with welcome deposit bonuses. There is no doubt that this industry has added to the interest of the NFL as it is the most wagered sport in the United States.
It’s clear that the Monsters of the Midway need to win back some fans, and an impressive 2023 offseason could go a long way toward achieving that. The NFL’s number one draft pick is a serious weapon. When used correctly, it can have a significant impact on the season ahead. The question is, how will management decide to use it? Analysts have differing opinions on the best course of action.
Players to target if Bears use pick number one
There’s a good chance the Bears will choose to keep their No. 1 pick, which means they’ll have the No. 1 pick of all up-and-coming players in college football. If they choose to go this route, some very promising talent could have an instant impact.
Justin Fields is the key player for the Bears, and general manager Ryan Poles will be looking for players who can complement his skills. There’s no doubt there are huge holes in the defensive line, but the Bears could also really use a No. 1 receiver. There are some promising prospects in the draft, with Quentin Johnston and Jordan Addison likely to have an array of suitors. There are plenty of players more sought after than those two, though, which is why the Bears might go for the trade.
However, there are also some exciting talents that could fill gaps in defense. For example, Jalen Carter is considered one of the best defensive tackle prospects in recent memory. The Georgian player is expected to get taken in the first round, so he’s someone the Bears could watch with their lucrative first draft pick.
Some analysts think a swap is on the cards
Depending on which positions the Bears feel they should tackle first, they may decide to trade positions to gain a better advantage later in the draft. Several franchises will want to try a trade deal with the Bears, and they could easily be persuaded.
One possibility is that the Bears could trade with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are in desperate need of a new quarterback and will want to make sure they secure the services of Bryce Young from Alabama. He is the best point guard in college football and will be drafted early. If the Bears trade with the Colts, they’ll still get a top-four pick.
Another option for the Bears is to trade with the Carolina Panthers. The Bears would have to settle for pick number nine, but they would receive significant compensation in exchange. That would mean they would also get two second-round picks and first- and third-round picks in 2024.
It’s all in the hands of the Bears when the draft rolls, and if they are successful, it could set them up for a great season. It will be exciting to see what strategy they adopt in the offseason.