Following a disappointing 7-10 season in 2023, the Chicago Bears are approaching the beginning of a brand new period.
After buying and selling quarterback Justin Fields, the Bears will select his substitute with the No. 1 decide in April, pairing him with recent, thrilling new weapons. That, together with an enhancing and underrated protection, has Chicago followers feeling optimistic concerning the future.Â
Whereas all the joy could be warranted, a number of members of the workforce have to step up in the event that they hope to be part of the longer term. With that in thoughts, listed here are three members of the Bears on the most popular seats in 2024.
Defensive finish DeMarcus Walker
Walker did not have the worst yr in 2023, his first with the Bears. Nevertheless, a season faraway from recording a career-high seven sacks with the Tennessee Titans, the 29-year-old fell in need of expectations.Â
After inking a three-year, $21M ($15.6) deal final offseason, Walker recorded solely 3.5 sacks in 12 video games. In the meantime, he earned a 59.1 grade from Professional Soccer Focus, fiftieth amongst ends that performed not less than 50 % of their workforce’s snaps.Â
There’s hope that Walker will come round, particularly since he posted 31 hurries and 12 QB hits final season. But when he fails to complete once more in 2024, he could also be changed, maybe by an edge rusher chosen No. 9 total in April’s NFL Draft.
Broad receiver Velus Jones Jr.
Jones remains to be on the Bears roster after two largely uneventful seasons, however for a way lengthy stays to be seen. The previous third-round decide has already been pushed additional down the depth chart with the current acquisition of star Keenan Allen, and an in-coming rookie is prone to do the identical.Â
Chosen 71st total within the 2022 draft, Jones has amassed extra dashing yards (154) than receiving yards (127) over 26 profession video games. In the meantime, his offensive snap proportion has dropped from 22 % in his rookie yr to solely 11 % in 2023.Â
The writing seems to be on the wall for Jones, and he would possibly want a robust coaching camp and a breakout yr to safe a roster spot. Past that, it is onerous to think about a big function for the third-year wideout shifting ahead.Â
Head coach Matt EberflusÂ
With the Bears solely weeks away from deciding on a quarterback with the No. 1 decide within the NFL Draft, many are beneath the impression that Eberflus’ job is protected in the meanwhile. Although, make no mistake, Caleb Williams or not, the pinnacle coach is on the recent seat.Â
Following two dropping seasons, an absence of tangible progress in 2024 will probably end in Eberflus’s firing. The workforce’s offseason strikes do not appear like a workforce readying for a couple of rebuild years. A visit to the NFC Championship might not be the bar, however higher than seven wins could be.Â
Final season, the protection took a big leap behind Eberflus. Nevertheless, the offense lagged, resulting in Fields’ and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s departure.Â
Now, the Bears will get their QB, together with shiny new toys in 1,000-yard rusher D’Andre Swift and veteran wideout Allen. New OC Shane Waldron will mould the offense, however failure would possibly fall on Eberflus’ shoulders this time.Â