This 2024 mock offseason for the Chicago Bears has been modified due to the active trade deadline led by GM Ryan Poles. As a result, the team’s roster needs have changed, and they no longer have the first overall pick, which belongs to the Arizona Cardinals. This raises the question of whether the Bears will stick with Drake Maye or give Justin Fields another year with an improved roster.
For the purposes of this scenario, we assume that the Bears will postpone making a big move at quarterback. Instead, Poles focuses on building up the rest of the roster in search of more star power. Fields has one more year left on his rookie contract, allowing him a final opportunity to prove himself. If he fails, the Bears will be actively looking for a replacement in 2025.
This Chicago Bears 2024 mock offseason is about finding blue-chippers
Cuts:
- C Cody Whitehair – $9.15 million saved
- WR Velus Jones – $918,000 saved
- DE Dominique Robinson – $915,000 saved
Re-signings/Extensions:
- DE Montez Sweat – 4-year extension for $84 million
- CB Jaylon Johnson – 4-year extension for $72 million
- K Cairo Santos – 3-year extension for $10.5 million
- C Lucas Patrick – 1-year deal for $1.21 million
- WR Equanimeous St. Brown – 1-year deal for $1.125 million
- CB Josh Blackwell – ERFA deal for $915,000
- CB Greg Stroman – 1-year deal for $1.125 million
- LB Dylan Cole – 1-year deal for $1.125 million
- LS Patrick Scales – 1-year deal for $1.21 million
Free agency:
WR Tee Higgins – 3-year deal for $51 million
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The Bears need a strong wide receiver to complement D.J. Moore. While Darnell Mooney had a solid year in 2021, it’s clear that he doesn’t have the necessary connection with Fields to thrive as the team’s number two option. Higgins has been a productive player in Cincinnati, with size, route-running skills, and physicality. He can play both inside and outside, and his presence will prevent defenses from constantly double-teaming Moore.
DT Justin Madubuike – 4-year deal for $52.5 million
The Bears are in need of interior pass rushers, and Justin Jones isn’t the solution. Therefore, they turn to the market to find the help they need. Madubuike has quietly put together an impressive season in Baltimore, accumulating 6.5 sacks in just eight games. It’s a breakout year for him, and although the Ravens may try to retain him, they have a history of letting go of talented defensive linemen.
The Draft:
Trade: #2 pick to the Patriots for #5 pick, #37 pick, and 1st in 2025
1st Round (#3 overall) – Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Many may criticize the decision to not select Marvin Harrison Jr. in this mock offseason. However, success in football starts in the trenches. The Bears need to build a dominant offensive line, and Fashanu is one of the best left tackle prospects in years. With his size, power, length, and athleticism, he has been a dominant force for Penn State. While Braxton Jones has been solid, Fashanu has the potential to be a star.
1st Round via NE (#5 overall) – Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Adding Montez Sweat was a good move for the Bears, but they still need a speed rusher who commands respect from opponents. Latu fits the bill, having accumulated 20 sacks in his last 21 college games. He possesses the necessary size, length, explosiveness, and pass-rushing moves to make a significant impact. Coupled with his relentless motor, Latu could be the player who finally transforms the Bears’ defensive line into a formidable force.
2nd Round via NE (#37 overall) – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Providing Fields with more weapons is always beneficial. Legette is enjoying a breakout season for the Gamecocks, possessing size, a sturdy frame, and impressive after-catch ability. He has deceptive speed and has shown significant improvement in his route-running. In addition, Legette is a strong run blocker, a valuable asset for the Bears. There is considerable untapped potential in his game, and he has a bright future ahead.
3rd Round (#67 overall) – Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia
Center has been a long-standing issue for the Bears since the departure of Olin Kreutz. While Whitehair had his moments, his inconsistency was a constant source of frustration. It is imperative for the Bears to address this position, and Van Pran provides a legitimate solution. As a seasoned starter for Georgia, he possesses power and nastiness in the run game, along with good pass protection skills. His experience should allow him to make an immediate impact as a starter.
4th Round (#103) – Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
The Bears cannot afford to neglect the quarterback position in the 2024 draft. Pratt brings plenty of starting experience and demonstrates comfort in the pocket. He has a compact throwing motion and consistent accuracy. At 6’3, he possesses good size and enough athleticism to keep defenses honest in the running game.
4th Round via PHI (#132) – Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
Iowa has produced both talented offensive linemen and tight ends over the years. George Kittle is already a star in San Francisco, and Sam Laporta looks poised to be a significant weapon in Detroit. Lachey possesses a similar build, with size, length, and enough speed to pose a threat over the middle. He would likely be chosen higher if not for an injury that affected his season.
5th Round (#140) – Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
The Bears, under Poles’ leadership, prefer offensive linemen with size, power, length, and quickness. Ohio State has consistently produced players of this caliber, and Jackson is no exception. He possesses all the physical tools necessary, although his fundamentals still require some work, particularly in hand technique and fully utilizing his length. Nonetheless, he provides valuable insurance if Teven Jenkins struggles with injuries.
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ohn Smith is your NFL insider, providing in-depth coverage of football’s biggest league. With a passion for the game and a keen eye for statistics, John delivers game analysis, player profiles, and breaking news to keep readers updated on all things NFL.