Image: larrybrownsports.com
It is the beginning of a new era in Chicago. The Chicago Bears are on the clock with the number one pick for a second consecutive season, and are locked in to select Caleb Williams with the number one pick after a disappointing third season from Justin Fields. This draft is one that will define Ryan Poles legacy for the ages, and with that in mind there was a lot of pressure on Poles from both media and fans to make a big splash this free agency period. With the biggest free agency signings and trades going down last week, here is an analysis of the notable signings and trades that Poles has made so far.
Justin Fields traded to Steelers for conditional 2025 sixth round pick
Lets get the most talked about move out of the way with the inevitable Justin Fields trade. Justin Fields was traded to the Steelers for a conditional 2025 sixth round pick, and that pick can become a fourth round pick if Fields plays over 50% of snaps next season. After all the trade rumors surrounding Fields, this return for him is disappointing to say the least. Many analysts thought that Fields could command a second or third round pick similar to the return the Jets got for Sam Darnold in 2021, but that was quickly put to rest when all the ideal quarterback destinations filled up early on.
I personally think Poles mismanaged his trade value a bit, and caved to the pressure of the media of getting him off the team instead of holding out for the best possible deal. While I have respect for Poles working with Fields and turning down better offers to give Fields his preferred destination, it is still apparent the offers were not much better. If he was offered a first or second, business would have absolutely taken presence over Fields’ blessing of the destination. With so little trade value being commanded, I personally did not see an issue with holding onto Fields as a bridge quarterback or backup while still drafting Caleb, then waiting until the trade deadline next season to make a deal. Injuries make teams desperate, and especially with increasing quarterback injuries every season there is no reason to think Fields value could not have increased when a starting quarterback across the league goes down.
Grade: C-
Keenan Allen traded to Chicago for 4th round pick
In arguably the biggest blockbuster trade of the NFL offseason, the Bears shocked the world by trading for Keenan Allen in exchange for a lone 4th round pick this upcoming draft. Acquiring Keenan Allen gives the Bears another exciting option at receiver, and he is coming off his sixth Pro Bowl season with 1,243 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. Since he is 31 years old, the Bears should still add a rookie wide receiver with the draft capital they have, but having Allen as a WR2 and a weapon for Caleb Williams is huge and puts Caleb in an immediate position for success,
Grade: A+
Jaylon Johnson re-signs for 4 year, $76 million deal
After franchise tagging Jaylon Johnson at the tag deadline, the Bears shocked everyone by locking Jaylon Johnson up long term with a 4 year, $76 million deal just days after getting the franchise tag. After speculation that he wanted to be the highest paid cornerback in the league, this deal comes cheaper than expected and makes him the fourth highest paid cornerback in the league which is more than fair considering his monster, All-Pro season last year. Although at one point it seemed like Jaylon was on the way out of Chicago, Poles found a way to get a deal done and at a cheaper price than expected, something that needed to happen since Jaylon was the anchor of our secondary last year. I personally thought we should pay Jaylon whatever he wanted, so this is nothing short of a home run signing.
Grade: A+
Kevin Byard signs two year, $15 million deal
With the decline of Eddie Jackson last season, the Bears decided to cut Jackson and go for a new face at free safety. After Kevin Byard was cut by the Eagles, the Bears quickly scooped him up to sign him to a two year, $15 million deal and make him their new free safety. While Byard is not the All-Pro player he was in his prime anymore, he has the durability that Jackson lacked, as Byard has never missed one game in his career. Byard’s presence should help motivate the younger guys increase their production, and his short term contract gives the Bears a bridge option in a year where they have limited draft capital.
Grade: B+
D’Andre Swift signs 3 year, $24.5 million deal
The Bears kicked off the running back carousel that went down in this year’s free agency by signing D’Andre Swift to a 3 year, $24.5 million deal. Swift was not my personal first choice, seeing first hand how last year’s running back committee of Khalil Herbert, Roschon Johnson and D’Onta Foreman struggled with injuries all season, something that Swift is notorious for missing multiple games each year for. However, Swift is coming off a Pro Bowl season in Philly where he played all but one game and finished with a stat line of 1,049 rushing yards and five rushing TDs. Swift’s presence will give the running back corps in Chicago a much needed upgrade, but the question of durability remains especially with many other options available this year. The contract is a little pricy as well keeping Swift’s injury history as well, but if he stays healthy it will be worth the gamble.
Grade: C+
Gerald Everett signs 2 year, $12 million deal
The tight end position behind Cole Kmet was atrocious last year, and Ryan Poles addressed that issue this offseason by signing Gerald Everett. Everett is coming off two consecutive seasons as the Chargers starting tight end, with his career best being in 2022 with 555 receiving yards and four tight ends. It is also important to keep in mind that the Chargers lost quarterback Justin Herbert last year at the midseason point, posing the question of what Everett could have done with a full healthy season of Herbert under center. I really like this signing for the Bears and I think there is a lot of upside and untapped potential here, and it fills a need we have had for the duration of the current regime.
Grade: B+
What would you grade the moves the Bears made this offseason and as a whole? Let me know in the comments.