Chicago Bears Picked as Major Offseason Winners

The Bears have made significant improvements this offseason. In a recent article by Mike Jones on The Athletic, he analyzed the NFL’s offseason winners and losers. The Bears, along with the Detroit Lions from the NFC North, were highlighted as two of the top five winners, with the Bears taking the number one spot. Here’s why Mike Jones considers the Bears a winner.

The 2023 trade that eventually earned the Bears the top pick in this year’s draft (used on quarterback Caleb Williams) puts them in the win column, but general manager Ryan Poles did so much more than just that.

Jones continued to emphasize additional moves made by Ryan Poles this offseason, highlighting how outstanding the past few months have been for Chicago.

He also drafted talented wideout Rome Odunze, traded for veteran receiver Keenan Allen, re-signed top cornerback Jaylon Johnson and further fortified the roster at key areas with other veteran free agents and draft picks. Unlike some rookie quarterbacks, Williams won’t find the cupboard bare with his new team, and Chicago could quickly jump into the thick of things in the NFC North.

The Bears could be a dangerous team in 2024.

I completely agree with Mike’s last sentence; it perfectly captures my expectations for the Bears. While Caleb Williams will face a learning curve in the NFL, if the team can protect him and effectively pressure the opposing quarterback, I believe the Bears can very much compete for the NFC North title in his first year.