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After nearly a decade of constant losing seasons, the future is finally appearing bright for the Chicago Bears. We have our guy at quarterback for the foreseeable future, the receiver room is no longer disastrous on paper, and we spent some money in free agency filling in the gaps on our roster. A blueprint has been in place by general manager Ryan Poles, so I am going to give my review of every major move so far.
Bears trade #1 pick to Panthers for 9th and 61st overall picks, 2024 1st round pick, 2025 2nd round pick, and WR DJ Moore
In arguably the biggest trade of the offseason, the Bears came out loaded from this deal. The number one pick had a crazy high demand this season, and the Panthers paid a crazy price of two firsts, a second and most surprisingly including star wide receiver DJ Moore. DJ Moore is the biggest surprise and win of this deal. His presence immediately gives Justin Fields a true number one receiver that has been desperately needed on a depleted talent core. Ryan Poles insisting on DJ Moore instead of another first is probably the best move he has made as general manager. With Moore, Claypool and Mooney on board, next year’s receiving core suddenly looks above average and ready to roll. The 2024 1st and two second rounders are a huge help to filling out the rest of our roster gaps, and if the Panthers fail to develop the QB they draft with the Bears pick into a superstar, this trade will look like a massive overpay along with leaving the questionable decision to trade the only solid receiver on a QB needy team. The Bears easily win this deal as of now.
Grade: A+
Bears sign Tremaine Edmunds to four year, $72 million contract
After opting to trade Roquan Smith to the Ravens instead of signing him long term, the Bears had a huge void to fill at the off ball linebacker position. They decided to bet on Tremaine Edmunds to make up for that production with a four year, $72M contract. I think this move has some risk. Edmunds is a solid player, but he has struggled with consistency throughout his tenure on the Bills. The talent is there as evidenced by his two pro bowl appearances in 2019 and 2020, but it will be up to Eberflus to make sure he lives up to the hefty contract.
Grade: C+
Bears sign TJ Edwards to three year, $40.5 million contract
Another addition the Bears made to bolster their linebacker corps this offseason was signing T.J. Edwards. Coming off an all-pro season on the rockstar Eagles defense, this is a great signing for Chicago and they got him at a bargain of a deal. If he continues to improve his level of play like he has each season, the formerly undrafted linebacker will be a huge addition to the league’s worst defense.
Grade: A
Bears sign Nate Davis to three year, $30 million contract
The Bears finally made a long overdue upgrade to the offensive line by signing former Titans right guard Nate Davis. There are pros and cons to this signing. Davis fits Luke Getsy’s scheme well and is a great run blocker, but has his struggles with pass protection. They also have had to shuffle the offensive line a bit by moving Teven Jenkins to the left next season, so there could be some risk there. Overall, a solid signing but there is more to be done with pass protection.
Grade: B
Bears sign D’Onta Foreman to one year deal worth $3 million
With the Bears deciding to let David Montgomery walk in free agency, the Bears needed to ideally make a move either in free agency or the draft to upgrade the backfield. Foreman was a cheap addition and is coming off a career best season of 914 rushing yards and five touchdowns. I think this a great low risk, high reward signing until they inevitably draft another back to add to the RB room. Foreman and Khalil Herbert should make a successful 1-2 punch in the backfield in the meantime.
Grade: A
Overall Offseason Grade: A-
Overall, the Bears made a lot of great moves this offseason after a down rebuilding season. The ship is finally starting to steer in the right direction, and with a few more additions to the offensive and defensive line, we can hopefully start to steer towards the window of contention.
What did you think of the moves the Bears made this offseason? Let me know in the comments.