Rebuilding the Offense: Bears’ Offseason Moves at QB, WR, TE & RB

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..

• Justin Fields has been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a potential 4th round pick
• The Bears are expected to draft Caleb Williams with the #1 overall pick
• The Bears signed WR Keenan Allen, TE Gerald Everett, and RB DeAndre Swift
• The team added offensive line help and only has 4 draft picks remaining
• The #9 pick will likely be used on a defensive end or wide receiver

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Buckle up Chicago Bears fans, because the 2024 offseason has been a whirlwind of major moves that have reshaped the roster. The biggest shocker came when former first-round pick Justin Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for what could become a 4th round draft pick. While many fans were disappointed to see the promising young quarterback depart, this is a business decision that frees up cap space and draft capital for GM Ryan Poles to rebuild the team his way.

The massive Fields trade has heightened speculation that the Bears will use the #1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select quarterback Caleb Williams out of USC. The athletic and talented Williams is viewed by many as the top QB prospect and could step in immediately as the new face of the franchise in Chicago. However, some rumblings indicate Poles may have his eyes on Jaden Daniels from Kansas as a potential dark horse pick.

Regardless of who is under center, the Bears have spent the offseason retooling the offensive skill positions. In a trade lauded by analysts, Poles acquired star wide receiver Keenan Allen from the cap-strapped Chargers for just a 4th rounder. The 30-year-old Allen gives the Bears a proven #1 receiver to stretch the field vertically and move the chains. His route running, hands and red zone prowess will be a major boost.

Complementing Allen will be tight end Gerald Everett, signed from the Rams in free agency. The 6’3″ 248 lb Everett is a complete TE who can block, catch passes over the middle, and punish defenders after the catch with his physicality and power running. His playing style should mesh well with new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s scheme.

The Bears also invested in the running back position by inking former Eagle and Lion DeAndre Swift to a deal. The versatile 5’9″ back is a weapon as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. His shiftiness, vision and receiving skills give the Bears a dangerous complementary piece to incumbent rushers Khalil Herbert and Roshan Johnson. All three backs threaten defenses in different ways.

Up front, Poles has worked to solidify the offensive line by signing several potential starters that fit the scheme. He targeted multiple players like Brett Rypien with prior experience in Waldron’s system to help ease the transition. The new acquisitions join returning pieces like Teven Jenkins to form a revamped unit charged with paving lanes and protecting the quarterback.

Of course, the rebuild extends beyond just the offense. Chicago still holds the #9 overall pick which most mocks have them utilizing on a premier defensive end like Jared Vers from Ohio State or Tyree Wilson out of Texas Tech. An edge rusher of that caliber would pair nicely with defensive tackle Jalen Carter to wreak havoc in opposing backfields. The Bears could also look to take the best receiver available like Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State or Rome Odunze from Washington to give their new QB another weapon.

With the Bears coming off a disappointing 3-14 campaign, this flurry of offseason activity has provided hope that brighter days are ahead. Adding talents like Keenan Allen, Gerald Everett and potentially DeAndre Swift has transformed a stagnant offensive attack into a unit brimming with playmakers. The key, of course, will be identifying and developing the right quarterback to captain this revamped ship.

All eyes will be on Ryan Poles during the draft to see if he pulls the trigger on a prospect like Caleb Williams or Jaden Daniels at #1 overall. Pairing one of those blue-chip QB prospects with the other offensive reinforcements could allow the Bears to field one of the most explosive attacks in the NFL as soon as 2024. Poles has opened a window for competition and will be expecting accelerated development from his cornerstone quarterback investment.

The Bears did have to part with former #2 overall pick Justin Fields in order to facilitate this rebuild, but the front office is confident they can identify superior quarterback play in the draft. Chicago has positioned itself nicely to make an impact not just through the draft, but also by capitalizing on salary cap situations of other teams through savvy trades and free agent acquisitions.

Pilfering talents like Keenan Allen and Gerald Everett for cheap has provided immense offensive upside without sacrificing future financial flexibility. The new-look Bears could have as many as 3 new starters at the skill positions, in addition to the pivotal quarterback upgrade. This drastic makeover was long overdue after years of offensive ineptitude.

Of course, remaking the offense was only part of Ryan Poles’ offseason checklist. The team is still evaluating options at defensive end, both through the draft and in free agency/trades. An edge rusher like Jared Vers could provide a much-needed boost in assembling a fearsome defensive line rotation. Teaming him with Jalen Carter would give the Bears a formidable tandem to build around for years.

While the team only has 4 draft picks currently, Poles has shown he can effectively wheel-and-deal to replenish assets. More moves could be on the horizon as the GM is doggedly remaking the roster to better fit the culture, identity and scheme he envisions. Trust that he will leave no stone unturned in transforming the Bears into legitimate contenders once again.

The bold moves to upgrade at quarterback, receiver, tight end and running back have provided fans with legitimate hope and excitement. The offensive firepower has been amplified exponentially heading into next season. Though many questions still remain, one thing is clear – the Chicago Bears are finally positioned to field an explosive, high-octane attack capable of putting up points in bunches in today’s pass-happy NFL. It’s up to Poles, the new staff, and the players to maximize this newfound potential.

Bear Down Bears fans! And as always… PEACE!