Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has done a very solid job of solidifying the roster this offseason. They have made some major upgrades at multiple positions on the field, which should lead to better results in the win-loss column during the 2023 season.
Alas, there were so many holes to fill that there are some that persist. Revamping this Bears roster is a big undertaking and will require more than one offseason of work. But, they are heading in the right direction.
For this offseason, their biggest moves have been completed. They acquired a bonafide upgrade at wide receiver in D.J. Moore to help with the development of Justin Fields. His development was further aided by the offensive line upgrades, as guard Nate Davis was signed in free agency and the team’s first-round pick was used on tackle Darnell Wright.
Defensively is where the team had its biggest holes. There weren’t many positives to take away from the group in 2022, which led to Poles spending big on linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards.
Those two will assuredly help shore up the run defense, which was needed. But, for the Bears to make any real strides defensively, their pass rush needs some help as well. According to David Kenyon of Bleacher Report, adding a pass rusher is the one move that Chicago still needs to make this offseason.
“While the Giants may hope for a bargain, Chicago has cap to burn. And the Bears absolutely need a more threatening group at defensive end. Finding a proper fit is important, but Chicago has both the money and opportunity to add a splashy name on a short-term deal.”
Leonard Floyd and Markus Golden recently came off the market, landing with the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite that, there are still some prime pass rushers available. Alas, the fit is supremely important as the Bears are still far from contention.
They could convince a veteran such as Justin Houston to take a one-year balloon deal given how much cap space they have and flip him ahead of the deadline for assets should he remain productive. Or a player such as Yannick Ngakoue, who has recorded at least 8.0 sacks in every season of his career, could be open to a multi-year deal after being on five teams the last three years.
Options are available, the Bears just have to find the right one for them. Any of the available veterans would be a huge boost for a team who had only 20 sacks last season, led by rookie defensive back Jaquan Brisker with 4.0.
