Bears Free Agency 2024: Who Stays and Who Goes from 16 Impending FAs 🤔

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..

• The Bears have 16 upcoming free agents, including cornerback Jalen Johnson who the author thinks is a must re-sign.
• Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue had a disappointing 2023 but could still be worth bringing back on a cheaper 1-year deal to play opposite new addition Montez Sweat.
• Defensive tackle Justin Jones has improved lately but his future depends on the draft and if better options are available.
• Running back Dante Foreman earned a raise after a solid 2023 and should be re-signed to maintain a dynamic backfield.
• Wide receiver Darnell Mooney has been disappointing, so the author thinks it’s time to move on from him and find long-term receiving options.

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The Chicago Bears have 16 players set to become free agents after the 2023 season, leading to some difficult decisions for GM Ryan Poles on who to keep and let walk. Cornerback Jalen Johnson headlines the list and seems to be the top priority to re-sign after continuing his strong play in the secondary. Meanwhile defensive end Yannick Ngakoue started hot but faded after injury, though a reunion on a cheaper 1-year deal could make sense with new stud pass rusher Montez Sweat in tow. Defensive tackle Justin Jones has also shown improvement down the stretch thanks to Sweat’s presence, and the author would possibly bring him back depending on the draft.

At running back, Dante Foreman earned a raise with his production spelling David Montgomery, and retaining Foreman would keep the backfield dynamic intact. However, former bright spot wide receiver Darnell Mooney faces an uncertain future after failing to meet expectations in 2023. With only 3 receivers under contract for 2024 and questions around Mooney’s fit, the author recommends moving on to find pass catchers who align with the team’s timeline for contention.

Overall the 2023 Bears free agent decisions will come down to identifying building blocks for the future. Jalen Johnson seems to fit the mold as a young playmaker worthy of investment, especially given GM Ryan Poles’ stated goal of prioritizing corners. Veterans like Ngakoue and Jones could make sense on short-term deals depending on the draft, while Foreman deserves a shot to keep producing in tandem with Montgomery. But former fantasy relevant names like Mooney no longer appear part of the long-term plan if they aren’t producing on the field.

With 5 years removed from an NFC North title, the Bears know 2024 presents a chance to take a major step toward playoff contention. Hitting in free agency and the draft could determine whether new coach Matt Eberflus and Poles return the Monsters of the Midway to glory or if the rebuild persists. Jalen Johnson, Yannick Ngakoue, Justin Jones, Dante Foreman and even Darnell Mooney each influence that outlook in their own way thanks to expiring contracts.

Bears fans await Poles’ decisions at cornerback and defensive end especially. Jalen Johnson stands out from the 16 free agents as a building block, with a strong desire to stay in Chicago. After a mostly quiet year, Ngakoue ended with 4 sacks and could thrive if re-signed to a cheaper 1-year deal and motivated to produce alongside Montez Sweat. Justin Jones meanwhile seems almost dependent on the draft, where an early investment in a defensive tackle could make Jones expendable.

Of course Bears nation also watches running back and wide receiver closely. Dante Foreman earned more carries as the season went on, spelling David Montgomery nicely to rack up yards after contact. His physical style behind a questionable offensive line makes him an easy choice to retain. Former bright spot Darnell Mooney causes more hesitation though after failing to eclipse 500 receiving yards. With rookie Velus Jones Jr. also struggling to produce, Chicago must hit the market and draft for pass catchers who fit their contention plans.

In the end, the 2023 Bears free agency decisions really come down to identifying long-term pieces versus short-term stopgaps. Jalen Johnson, Yannick Ngakoue, Justin Jones, Dante Foreman and even Darnell Mooney each have their pros and cons. Corner and defensive end seem positions prime for stability, with Johnson a core player and Ngakoue a low-risk flier. Jones’ fate might come down to defensive tackle investments, Foreman earned a shot for depth, but Mooney no longer looks the part of receiver of the future.

For GM Ryan Poles, coach Matt Eberflus and Bears fans, the 2024 roster begins taking shape soon. With 16 free agents overall there will be turnover, it just remains to be seen who stays and who goes. But players like Jalen Johnson and Dante Foreman made strong cases in 2023 to keep building around.

Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!